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April/May 2006 No.60

Executive must come up with cash for equal pay

The STUC backed UNISON's call for the Scottish Executive to fully fund a fair, equal pay scheme for Scottish Local Government staff to match what had been done in other public services.

UNISON Scottish convenor Mike Kirby called for more funding for councils so they can pay low-paid women compensation for past pay discrimination, and modernise pay for the future.

Mike said, "So why is this motion moved by a middle-aged, middle earnings male in a suit?

"Well, being middle-aged I can remember the seventies when a political slogan said 'You're either part of the problem or part of the solution to the problem - and given that part of the solution to the problem of pay inequality will affect all including middle-aged, middle earning males in suits - that's why".

"The Equal Pay Act was enacted in 1970. 35 years on we still await its promise. And eight years after an agreement we still await the implementation of the proposed solution".

The Scottish Parliament Finance Committee has pinned the blame for this 'travesty 'where it belongs. "This is not a victimless crime. Low paid women in Scotland are £600m poorer than they would be have been if councils had done their job - no their legal duty."

"We know who is responsible. Will they sort it out in Local Government, and avoid a similar travesty in Health and Higher education?" asked Mike.

If this funding does not happen local authorities will be forced to cut services, increase council tax and/or cut staff pay and conditions, in order to pay millions in compensation across Scotland.

The need to resolve the increasing equal pay bill is becoming more pressing as time moves on. One-off payments achieved through commercial law firms for a fee will neither deliver fair equal pay schemes in authorities, nor will they help people who do not wish to pursue individual claims.

The calls from the Finance Committee for the Minister to fund equal pay in local government cannot be ignored.

"Only the Executive, with the councils, can move this forward", said Mike.

UNISON's call was backed by the T&GWU and the GMB.

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