Unions will deliver equal pay - not lawyers
By Chris Bartter
UNISON, has condemned attempts by 'no win, no fee' law firms
to cash in on the work done by trade unions and the EOC to
pursue equal pay in Scotland's public sector.
The union also warned that, unless fair, equality-proofed
pay scales were agreed in local councils across Scotland,
cherry-picking the most obvious cases might leave many workers
without equal pay.
They also argue that the Scottish Executive should be providing
the necessary funding. Joe Di Paola, UNISONScotland's Scottish
Organiser for Bargaining said, "UNISON is fighting for equal
pay for low paid women members in local government and across
the public sector.
"We have been arguing for fair pay across local government,
but some employers have simply not wanted to know. So we have
also been building up information on likely test tribunal
cases which we are now ready to use on employers who won't
talk to us. Indeed, we are now at a very advanced stage in
taking cases.
"We think that this work means that we are in a far better
position than any lawyers to pursue successful claims on behalf
of members.
"Of course where UNISON takes cases, such as in North Cumbria
NHS Trust, our successful members get all the money due to
them.
"It makes me angry that an English law firm now wants to
jump on the Scottish bandwagon, and cherry-pick obvious cases
to get their commission.
"Law firms, with their one-off cases, don't care about the
impact on the rest of the staff. UNISON does care and has
been pushing employers for negotiated deals that both address
the just claims of low paid members - especially those in
caring, catering and cleaning - whilst trying to ensure that
the jobs of all the members are safe.
"The Scottish Executive needs to recognise its responsibilities
in funding equal pay in Scotland."
UNISON is currently preparing a set of Frequently Asked Questions
and a draft leaflet for branches to use if faced with threats
from any firm of lawyers offering to take individual cases.
Please ensure that you refer any approaches to your regional
officer, as the union as well as employers can be at risk
of liability claims.
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