Hyde Park is one of the eight Royal Parks in London<\/p>\n
Gardeners at The Royal Parks in London have voted to strike in a dispute over pay, their union has said.<\/p>\n
The workers, who are employed by sub-contractor Idverde, will strike over a proposed pay rise of 70p an hour for skilled gardeners and team leaders, which GMB union said was "an insult".<\/p>\n
There are eight Royal Parks in London; Bushy Park, Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park-Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James's Park.<\/p>\n
A Royal Parks spokesperson said pay was a matter for Idverde, adding: "We recognise that this is a matter of concern for those involved and hope that a constructive resolution can be reached." Idverde has been contacted for comment.<\/p>\n
Skilled gardeners and team leaders at The Royal Parks are currently paid 55p an hour above the London Living Wage, external, currently set at \u00a314.80, the union said.<\/p>\n
GMB accused 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.<\/p>\n
Anna Lee, its regional organiser, said: "Our members create and maintain these amazing spaces and to be offered 70p [extra per hour] is just an insult.<\/p>\n
"They are skilled, experienced professionals and they know what their labour is worth.<\/p>\n
"We're calling on Idverde to get back round the table and offer our members a fair pay deal."<\/p>\n
The voting recieved a 75% turnout and 95% voted in favour of strike action.<\/p>\n
Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, external, X, external and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk, external<\/p>\n