Sunday, May 25, 2008

Equal Pay Matters in UNISON

Quick report back on the London region UNISON briefing on Equal Pay that I attended on Thursday. The meeting was chaired by Gloria Hanson, Regional Convener and addressed by Mike Hayes, lay chair of the UNISON NEC Finance Committee as well as UNISON Finance staff.

This meeting is one of a series of regional briefings that are being held across the UK. UNISON is taking and contemplating legal action against a number of employers for unlawful discrimination over equal pay. It also has to defend itself in a small number of cases from “no win no pay” solicitors who are suing UNISON and other trade unions.

Check out trade union solicitors Thompson’s web site on “equal pay”. Taking such legal action against employers is potentially very expensive and legal costs in employment tribunals cannot be claimed back even if a member wins. UNISON has to decide how these costs will be funded.

The meeting was well attended by branch treasurers and secretaries. We had a really mature and sensible discussion. This is a not only a big issue for UNISON and employers.

The 1970 Equal Pay Act has been “in force” for over 26 years. It is appalling that after all this time there is still a 17% gap between male and female full time employees and a staggering 38% gap for part time workers!

The question surely is why should we face these huge legal bills for simply trying to enforce the law of the land?

(Photo: check out Belgium trade union campaign - "its not the hormonal rages")

2 comments:

Tom said...

If Thompsons did training contracts, I would be the world's happiest man.

They run a lot of unions' legal helplines, which I'm trying to get into. Unfortunately people like myself can't afford ten grand to train as solicitors.

Plus, I don't fancy whoring myself to some corporate gits who will lay on training... who really wants career bumps in exchange for administering forced labour camps in the congo?

Oh, side point, but the fact that you can't win costs on cases like this is a total disgrace. Something for Warwick II, perhaps?

John Gray said...

Hi Tom
Warwick II? Yes, maybe – a better way could be for the government to pay for equality “test cases” ? or for there to be “class actions”?

Better still, for the employers to wake up and stop discriminating against women!