Activists facing the equal pay challenge

by Nicola Morris

This month saw UNISONScotland's largest ever equal pay event, when over 120 delegates from branches across Scotland, covering most Service Groups, attended the Winning for All training event.

Over the two days activists and staff participated in activities including workshops covering a broad range of issues relating to the challenges that members are facing over equal pay.

Sessions were held on issues such as; negotiating an appeals procedure; targeting occupational groups; dismissal and imposition; job evaluation; equality impact assessments and campaigning around equal pay. The event provided time to share experiences, seek guidance and discuss the best ways to meet the challenges we are all facing.

There were also plenary presentations covering legal updates, employment tribunal procedures, and recruiting and organising around equal pay.

Following the event, Scottish Organiser, Glyn Hawker, who co-ordinates UNISON Scotland's equal pay strategy across all service groups, said: "Achieving equal pay across all sectors and bargaining groups has been a key priority for UNISON in 2006. It provides activists and staff alike with one of the biggest challenges they have faced for many years.

"As well as providing specific training and support, the Winning for All event provided an excellent forum for staff and activists from all our service groups to share their experiences and learn from each other.

"The issues raised and debated over the course of the event will inform UNISON Scotland's equal pay strategy as we move forward in 2007 and will give a clear direction for future training events.

"2007 is a new year, and will bring many new challenges on equal pay. The success of the event is in identifying these challenges and considering how to address them.

"There is more to be done but we have a clearer picture and a greater level of confidence in our ability to deliver what is needed next year. Many, many thanks are due to those who worked so hard to plan, prepare and deliver such a successful event".

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