Pay joy for Glasgow workers after decision

Council workers in Toryglen, Castlemilk, Croftfoot and King’s Park who have fought for equal pay were celebrating last week.

Glasgow City Council dropped a legal challenge to a decade-long £500million equal pay dispute.

The climbdown came ahead of a deadline for notice to appeal to the UK Supreme Court.

The claimaints – mainly working in low-paid cleaning, caring and catering jobs – have been fighting for equal pay with men in comparable roles since a grading system was introduced in 2007.

It is not clear when payouts and wage rises will be implemented.

The move has been welcomed by union bosses and campaigners and talks will take place to try to resolve issues through negotiation.

Council leader Susan Aitken said:“We need to send a strong message to our lower paid female employees that we value the crucial work you do and we believe you should be paid equally for it.

“I am pleased I have been able to lead the council to this decision to end the legal action on equal pay and instead focus on resolving this decade-long dispute.”

Meetings with unions Unison and GMB, as well as pressure group Action 4 Equality, will be held to thrash out details.

Unison’s Carol Ball said:“This is a great day for the low paid cleaners, carers, caterers and others working for Glasgow City Council who have waited 10 years for pay equality.”

Stefan Cross QC, of Action 4 Equality, added:“This is marvellous news.”

Carer Amanda Brown welcomed the decision. She said:“We work hard to deliver services people rely on. All we are asking is for women to be valued and treated equally.”

Labour group leader Frank McAveety, whose party was in charge while the legal challenge was ongoing, said his group was committed to equal pay, adding:“This has been a long-standing issue, with no simple answers.”