Row over Aberdeen wardens’ contracts
No confirmation of pay and hours for staff
Published:
A MAJOR row has broken out over Aberdeen’s “super wardens” today as they started their new jobs.
The team has yet to receive new contracts of employment, sparking anger from unions.
They claim workers are beginning their reorganised roles without official confirmation of pay rates and hours of work.
Council bosses today admitted the contracts had not been sent out – but said letters stating the terms were delivered.
Patrols were due to begin today combining the roles of Grampian Police community wardens, Aberdeen council parking enforcement officers and environmental wardens.
They will be able to use their enforcement powers to deal with issues including dog fouling, littering and rogue parking.
It was due to be introduced last year but unions threatened strike action over their concerns.
A council spokeswoman confirmed the delay but said letters had been sent out containing “all the key elements” of their contracts including hours, pay and holiday entitlement.
She added: “The teams – along with every other Aberdeen City Council employee – will soon receive new contracts as part of the equal pay and modernisation process.”
But Janet Adams of the GMB was concerned by the revelation.
She said: “I have been contacted by a number of wardens extremely concerned that they have not received their new contracts.
“Given the controversy surrounding this process ...this should have been sorted out long ago.”
Meanwhile Tommy Campbell of the Unite union said his members had serious concerns over the safety of the wardens working up to 10.30pm.
The regional organiser for the union said they could be targeted by drunks or face abuse for handing out parking tickets.
He added: “It is still our view that this scheme by Aberdeen City Council is like a car without an engine – it will not go far.”
More than 70 wardens were expected to carry out the expanded role.
Readers' Comments
I hope Aberdeen City Council will pay the new wardens the same pay as the previous wardens when under the police scheme.I certainly wouldnt start a job without a contract or wage details, particularly for Aberdeen City Council they cannot be trusted with money.
Stan Domeracki
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