Motorists in a particular town have received a caution that complimentary parking will not be available during a period when parking attendants are engaged in industrial action concerning their wages. Reading Borough Council confirmed that 34 parking enforcement officers are participating in the industrial action, scheduled from December 16 to 22 and again from December 26 to January 1. Unite, the union representing the workers, characterized this timeframe as a “free parking bonanza” when publicizing the industrial action on its official website. However, the council indicated that enforcement activities would persist, albeit at a diminished capacity, and that penalty charge notices could still be imposed during these times. The striking attendants are employed by the contractor Modaxo. Unite reported that these attendants receive an hourly wage of £12, which the union asserts is significantly lower than the pay for direct employees of Reading Borough Council. Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, stated: “Modaxo is a huge multinational conglomerate making billions in revenue and yet sees fit to penny-pinch and pay poverty wages to our members in Reading. These workers will have the full support of Unite in this battle for fair pay.” Modaxo has been contacted by the BBC for a statement. During the period of industrial action, parking attendants from Trellint, Oxfordshire County Council’s parking enforcement contractor, will be deployed in Reading on a voluntary overtime basis. A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council commented: “Parking regulations are in place for the safety and wellbeing of all road users and we would urge all motorists to continue to comply with them.” Post navigation Hill Farm to End Pick-Your-Own Operations After 52 Years Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Businesses Anticipate Closures and Job Losses, Citing “Survival Mode”