Glasgow’s women will march from Glasgow Green to George Square tomorrow (23 October) as they start a two-day strike in their fight to achieve pay justice.
Around 8,000 school staff, nursery workers, care workers, caterers and cleaners – the majority of them UNISON members – will walk out in the largest equal pay strike since the Equal Pay Act was passed. The strike will affect schools, nurseries, home care, cleaning and catering across the city
Mandy McDowall, UNISON’s regional organiser, said: “It is a modern-day scandal that nearly fifty years on from the equal pay act being introduced we find ourselves standing alongside thousands of women who are being discriminated against by one of the UK’s largest councils.
“These women are the lifeblood of Glasgow, they carry out vital roles across the city – cleaning, caring, educating and looking after some of the most vulnerable people in our society. They are the cogs that keep our city turning yet their roles remain chronically undervalued. Strike action isn’t a decision these women have taken lightly but after months of empty promises they have been left with no choice.
“Glasgow City Council has to get back around the negotiating table and finally put an end to this long-standing injustice.”
UNISON Glasgow chair Mary Dawson added: “We have given the council 10 months to make progress on addressing the historical discrimination suffered by these workers.
“However, the council has agreed nothing, offered nothing and all we have had are meetings about meetings and talks about talks. It’s time for some action.”
For further information please see: https://www.unison.org.uk/news/article/2018/02/glasgow-women-march-fight-equal-pay/
Mandy McDowall, UNISON regional organiser, 07903 846 427
Brian Smith, UNISON Glasgow City branch secretary, 07870 914 361
Trisha Hamilton / Danny Phillips, UNISON communications officer, 0141 342 2877 or 07943 507 307 / 07944 664 110