Hundreds of low-paid women working across Birmingham City Council services are to receive long-overdue payments, says UNISON today (Tuesday).
UNISON, GMB and Birmingham City Council have signed an agreement to settle historic equal pay claims brought by the two unions on behalf of women employed by the council and Birmingham Children’s Trust.
It means women delivering essential services to the city, in roles such as teaching assistants, catering staff and care workers, will receive significant sums they are owed and deserve.
The employees will be compensated for wages they missed out on as a result of being underpaid for many years, when compared to male colleagues doing work of equal value.
UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Fair pay for work of equal value is what every employee deserves, and what our union fights for every day. But far too many workers, particularly women, face persistent and unjust pay gaps.
“This victory for low-paid women will resonate far beyond Birmingham. It sends a powerful message that equality at work is not optional, it’s a fundamental right. It’s also a reminder that when women stand together to demand fairness, real change can happen.
UNISON West Midlands regional manager Claire Campbell said: “Many of these women have spent years delivering vital public services, all while being undervalued and underpaid.
“This recognition and the payments due have been a long time coming. This money will make a real difference to the lives of those affected.
“UNISON has a proud record of fighting for pay justice, and this agreement is a significant step forward in tackling long-standing wage inequality at Birmingham City Council.”