UNISON general secretary Andrea Egan has sent an unequivocal message of support to Barnet UNISON members after the branch launched a borough-wide equal pay claim across the London Borough and the council’s two wholly owned arm’s-length companies.
Launched at the end of last year, Barnet is facing an equal pay challenge that cuts across council services.
Andrea said: “Barnet UNISON members working in areas such as schools, early years, care and social care are doing work that keeps communities going — and too often they’re among the lowest paid, least recognised and most taken for granted.
“Let me be absolutely clear: UNISON stands with you in your fight for equal pay, dignity at work, and justice long overdue.”
The general secretary stressed that equal pay isn’t a “nice to have” adding, “It’s the law — and it’s a basic question of respect. Women’s work in caring, supporting children, and keeping services running has been undervalued for generations.
“When pay systems reward some groups through arrangements like enhanced rates, overtime, and other additional payments – while others doing work of equal value are left behind – that is not fairness. That is a structural inequality that must be put right.
“Barnet UNISON is taking on this fight with courage and determination. This campaign is also a powerful organising moment — building strength, confidence and unity among members who’ve been told for too long to accept less. I’m proud of the branch for leading from the front — and I want every member involved to know you have the full backing of your union.”
‘Don’t delay. Don’t deflect’
Andrea recognised the work done by both the union’s Greater London region and legal teams in supporting the branch and members and addressed Barnet council directly: “If you believe in equality, if you believe in valuing care and education, if you believe low-paid women workers deserve more than warm words — then now is the time to act. Don’t delay. Don’t deflect. Don’t spend public money on dragging this out.
“Sit down with the union, agree a clear memorandum of understanding, and put in place a route to settlement that delivers compensation and fixes the underlying causes across the workforce.
“Make Barnet a borough that leads on equal pay — not one that has to be forced into doing the right thing.”
The general secretary concluded that she is determined that UNISON is a union that puts members first, “and that means backing branches that take on entrenched injustice.
“So, I’m committing this: we will support Barnet UNISON to keep building this campaign and to pursue a successful outcome for members. That includes continued legal and organising support, and the practical backing needed to sustain pressure and win.
“To every Barnet UNISON member involved: you are not alone. This union was built for fights like this – and we will not look away when low-paid workers, especially women workers, demand what they are owed.”
The post Andrea Egan supports equal pay fight in Barnet appeared first on UNISON National.
Comments are closed.