William Eichler 01 June 2016

North Lanarkshire settles equal pay dispute

A Scottish council has resolved a long-running dispute over equal pay claims in what it describes as a ‘major milestone’.

The new leadership of North Lanarkshire Council has annouced that after discussions with the union GMB Scotland it has agreed to settle legitimate equal pay claims.

Women working in the public sector have, historically, been paid less than their male counterparts for doing comparable jobs. Equal pay claims were introduced to compensate workers for this past discrimination.

North Lanarkshire has already paid out £100m in compensation, but under the last administration they were reluctant to pay out for any more claims.

Last April, GMB Scotland organised a protest to demand the local authority compensate 2,000 female workers and accused the council of lacking the ‘political will’ to act on this issue.

Responding to the councils decision, GMB Scotland organiser, Hazel Nolan, said: ‘A recent change in leadership at the council prompted fresh negotiations and improved settlement offers subsequently followed, meaning GMB Scotland members can now look forward to significant equal pay awards.

‘The new council leadership immediately recognised the need to resolve this inequality and their willingness to work with GMB Scotland in negotiating a proper settlement means our members are at last getting justice.’

North Lanarkshire leader, Cllr Jim Logue, said: ‘I have made it clear since becoming council leader that we will settle equal pay claims where these are justified.

‘I am pleased to say this agreement in principle, which is subject to further discussion, with the GMB union, is a positive step towards that aim.’

‘This is a major milestone which I hope will mark a departure from the confrontations of the past. We have negotiated in a sensible and constructive manner with the GMB and its legal advisers to reach agreement,’ Cllr Logue continued.

‘If anything, this shows how quickly justified settlements can be reached through willingness to sit down and talk.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Street Cleansing Operative - Uttlesford District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £12.5900 per hour
Grounds Maintenance & Street Cleansing OperativeTemporary Contract*37 Hours per Week (Monday-Friday, 7-3)£12.59 per hour PAYEImmediate StartClosing Da England, Essex
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Supported Lodgings Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 9 - £35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / Grade 11 - £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
Are you passionate about the real difference supported lodgings carers can make to the lives of children and young people in our care?   Are you an ex Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisors

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
2x Lunchtime Supervisors Required as soon as possible Grade 1    £24,796 pro rata Permanent We are seeking to appoint two Lunchtime Supervisors to jo Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£28,142 - £31,022 pro rata
Part-time Enhanced Teaching Assistant  Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 pro rata 15 hours per week, term time only plus 2 weeks Permanent Required from 3rd N Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£28,142 - £31,022 pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 pro rata Permanent Full time, term time only + 2 weeks Required as soon as possible The Woodlan Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner