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 amounts of money 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: “This is a cause I feel strongly about. Fair pay for equal work 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 a reminder that when women stand together to demand fairness, real change can happen.
“It’s been a huge team effort by UNISON, with no stone left unturned to get this dispute resolved and ensure these women receive justice. Seeing them compensated properly, after standing shoulder to shoulder every step of the way, is a major achievement for the union.”
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.”
Notes to editors:
– The payments relate to equal pay claims involving women in roles across council services, schools, and Birmingham Children’s Trust.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk
Simon Holder M: 07946 555174 E: s.holder@unison.co.uk
The article Equal pay victory for women at Birmingham City Council first appeared on the UNISON National site.
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