Local Government Service Group Conference 19-20 June 2011

We've fought long and hard for equality. It is not a privilege. It is a right

Margaret Ferris

20 June: The disproportionate effect on women members of cuts in conditions was highlighted to Conference by Scotland’s Margaret Ferris.

Speaking for the National Women’s Committee on a motion setting out a strategy to resist cuts to pay and conditions, Margaret reminded delegates that women make up 65% of public sector employees.

The motion called for reductions in pay and conditions to be resisted by all possible means with branches getting a range of supports to defend conditions and highlight the vital nature of our members’ work.

“This so-called government is attacking long hard fought for Equalities legislation”, said Margaret.

“We on the Women’s Committee are asking Conference that advice and guidance be sent to to every branch in every part of the country to help employers to realise that equality and work-life balance are addressed and are important to our members.

“Equality Impact Assessments should be used as part of the bargaining agenda”.

“Women and other disadvantaged groups have fought long and hard for equality. It is not a privilege, it is a right”, added Margaret.

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