Glasgow equal pay strike – March and rally, 23 October
PHOTO / INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY
Thousands of low-paid women in Glasgow are striking for equal pay tomorrow (Tuesday) and Wednesday – 23 and 24 October.
Around 8,000 women across UNISON and GMB trade unions – including school administration workers, learning support workers in schools, nursery workers, home carers, cleaners, caterers and other council workers – are taking action over the city council’s failure to settle a long-standing equal-pay dispute.
It will be the largest industrial action of its type since the Equal Pay Act was passed in the wake of the Ford machinists’ strike, immortalised in the film and stage show Made In Dagenham, in the 1970s.The strike will affect schools, nurseries, home care, cleaning and catering across the city.
Tomorrow (Tuesday) Glasgow’s women will march across the city from Glasgow Green to George Square to demand that Glasgow City Council gest back around the negotiating table and put an end to this longstanding pay injustice once and for all. There will be hundreds of picket lines across the city.
When and where: Tuesday, October 23. Marchers will assemble from 11.30 at Glasgow Green (Saltmarket Road end) before leaving at noon to George Square. There will be union officials available to meet the media from 11.15am at Glasgow Green.
What: The march will culminate in a rally at George Square. At the rally, there will be a minute’s silence held in respect of all the women who have passed away while waiting for pay justice. Afterwards the rally will hear from a number of speakers including: Christina McAnea, UNISON assistant general secretary; Mary Dawson, chair of UNISON Glasgow City branch; Jean Kilpatrick, of UNISON Glasgow City branch; as well as a number of striking members. The women striking will be waving carrots at the City Chambers to indicate to the council not to dangle any carrots of money at Christmas to our members. There will be photo/interview opportunities at the assembly point and also after the rally at the stage.
Spokespeople: There will be union officials, activists and striking members available to speak to the media upon request.
Media contacts: If you wish to arrange an interview with any of our spokespeople, including striking members, please contact:
• Mandy McDowall, UNISON regional organiser, on 07903 846 427 (m.mcdowall@unison.co.uk);
• Jennifer McCarey, UNISON area organiser, on 07958 121 118;
• Trisha Hamilton / Danny Phillips, communications officer, on (landline) 0141 342 2877 (mobile) 07943 507307 / 07944 664 110 (t.hamilton@unison.co.uk / d.phillips@unison.co.uk)
• To speak to striking members on picket lines please contact Trisha Hamilton or Danny Phillips on landline (0141 342 2877) or mobile (07943 507307 / 07944 664 110)
Follow us on Twitter @unisonscot #equalpayglasgow
For further information please see: https://www.unison.org.uk/news/article/2018/10/glasgow-equal-pay/