A strike by traffic wardens in Westminster is set to go ahead after a new pay offer from the council's contractor NSL was rejected by the GMB union. The union, employed by the council’s contractor, will walk out on May 2, 4 and 6 and take other forms of industrial action for a week starting from May 1. This decision will cause chaos on the roads of Westminster during King Charles' coronation celebrations.
The improved pay offer presented by NSL was overwhelmingly rejected by GMB members. Alex Etches, a GMB official said there is no reason why members of the union should be worse off this year compared to last year and that their strike action would lead to chaos on the streets during this monumental event.
Thousands are expected to flock to Central London for King Charles' coronation procession between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey on May 6. Major road closures across Central London are scheduled over this period which could effectively shut down parts of the capital city.
Parking officers remain locked in dispute with Westminster Council’s contractor NSL over pay demands; they seek an increase aligned with inflation rates. These strikes coincide with Prince Louis', Princess Charlotte's and Prince George's starring roles in King Charles’ coronation processions while Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Prince Andrew won't participate.
Other royals participating include Princess Anne (the Princess Royal) alongside her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence as well as the Duke & Duchess of Gloucester accompanied by his sister Princess Alexandra. The Diamond Jubilee State Coach will escort King Charles from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey via a shorter route than used for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation back in 1953; however specific details have yet been disclosed.
With these planned disruptions looming amidst such significant events as royal ceremonies or processions taking place it remains unclear how the government and its contracted parties will navigate this unprecedented situation.