Royal Parks gardeners to strike after ‘insulting’ pay increase proposal

95% of the people who voted did so to take strike action

Gardeners working at some of London’s most famous parks will strike in a dispute over pay, their union has said.

The workers, who are employed by sub-contractor Idverde for The Royal Parks – which includes Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and St James’s Park – voted 95% in favour of a strike with a 75% turnout, the GMB union has said.

The dispute centres on a proposed pay increase of 70p an hour for skilled gardeners and team leaders, which the union says is “an insult”.

They are currently being paid 55p-an-hour above the London Living Wage, according to the union.

GMB has accused the contractor Idverde of failing to recognise and value the workers’ skills and experience, and of treating the London Living Wage as a maximum rather than a minimum.

Anna Lee, its regional organiser, said: “Our members create and maintain these amazing spaces and to be offered 70p is just an insult.

“They are skilled, experienced professionals and they know what their labour is worth.

“We’re calling on Idverde to get back round the table and offer our members a fair pay deal.”

A spokesperson for The Royal Parks said: “Idverde and its workforce make a valued and important contribution to the day-to-day management of the parks, helping to ensure that they remain high-quality, welcoming and well-maintained spaces for the millions of people who visit them each year.

“The terms and conditions of employment are a matter for Idverde as the employer. The Royal Parks is not party to those employment arrangements.

“We recognise that this is a matter of concern for those involved and hope that a constructive resolution can be reached through ongoing discussions between Idverde and its employees.”

Idverde has been contacted for comment.

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