Equal pay battle nears conclusion
North Lanarkshire Council and trade unions have completed a re-evaluation of eight job roles agreed as part of last year’s successful conclusion to equal pay claims.
Working with an independent advisor, a joint team of council staff and trade union officials from the UNISON, Unite and GMB have been involved in carrying out the re-evaluation, the outcome of which was approved at the council’s Policy & Resources Committe.
The eight jobs are home support worker, school crossing patroller, playground supervisor, road sweeper, two grades of gardener and chargehand gardener.
Employees in these jobs will be notified about the outcome of the exercise formally over the coming days and there is no detriment to any employee as a result.
Councillor Paul Kelly, depute leader of the council, said: “This re-evaluation exercise was agreed by the council and the trade unions as part of equal pay settlements and I’m delighted that it is now complete.
“The most crucial element is that there is no detriment to any employee as a result.
“It is particularly pleasing to complete another chapter on equal pay, which we are determined to address quickly and effectively, so soon after reaching agreement on a number of claims last week.
“We are absolutely committed to equality and this is another sign of that commitment.”
Marie Quigley, UNISON Branch Secretary, said: “I very much welcome the positive outcome of this re-evaluation process. It’s the latest victory in our fight for equal pay.
“The result finally puts an end to the inequality that many women who work hard for this council have both endured and fought against for years.
William McGonigle of Unite said: “I would like to thank all the staff and others who have participated in this process for their hard work which has produced a positive outcome for our members.
“This has been a long time coming and I’m delighted that this has been resolved for those members. They are now on an equal footing but we will continue the fight against inequality wherever we find it.”