Agreement signed to settle equal pay claims.
Birmingham City Council, UNISON and GMB have signed the framework agreement to settle the outstanding equal pay claims brought by the two unions on behalf of members working for the local authority and Birmingham Children’s Trust.
This follows the agreement in principle reached last December and cabinet approval.
Leader of the city council Cllr John Cotton said: “When I was appointed as Leader two years ago, I labelled equal pay the single biggest challenge that the council has faced and vowed to deal with the matter once and for all.
“We’re doing exactly that and this deal represents another key milestone on our journey. I want to thank GMB and UNISON for working so constructively with the council to put right a historic wrong.”
The full terms of the settlement are confidential, but the city council confirms that:
“Birmingham City Council acknowledges the shortcomings in how equal pay risks were handled in the past. These failures, which spanned many years and administrations, have had a lasting impact on our workforce and the trust placed in us by the people of Birmingham.
“We recognise that previous custodians of the council did not act swiftly or decisively enough to resolve these matters. As the current leadership, we are committed to learning from these mistakes and ensuring they are not repeated.
“We are working constructively with trade unions, whose role in advocating for fairness and equality has been vital. Their persistence and partnership have helped bring about a framework agreement that will allow us to settle outstanding equal pay claims to avoid the time and expense of litigation, and without admission of liability by the council, and move forward with a fairer, more transparent job evaluation scheme and pay structure.
“This council seeks to be different to how it has been in the past. We are building a culture rooted in openness, accountability, and respect for all employees. We are committed to making Birmingham City Council a fairer, more inclusive employer – one that reflects the values of the city we serve.
“Birmingham City Council will regularly review its job evaluation processes to maintain equity and transparency across all roles. We are committed to continuing to strengthen our internal governance structures and to work closely with trade unions to promote equality and fairness for all employees.”
Megan Fisher of GMB Union, said: “This agreement has been hard won by the women workers of Birmingham.
“After years of discrimination and being paid less than they were worth, they stood up and demanded what was theirs.
“Public bodies cannot run from the mistakes of the past; they must confront and fix them.
“GMB welcomes today’s historic step, as well as the constructive approach to negotiations from Councillor John Cotton and others in recent months.
“We will now be focused on getting money back where it belongs, into the pockets of our members as a matter of urgency”.
Claire Campbell, UNISON regional manager, said: “This agreement marks a turning point for hundreds of low-paid women who have waited far too long for justice and equal pay.
“It’s a testament to their strength, resilience and to the power of collective action.
“UNISON is now focused on ensuring these payments reach staff as quickly as possible.
“Through this process, the council has shown its dedication and commitment towards equal pay and future change.”
Lead commissioner at the city council Tony McArdle said: “The failure to resolve Equal Pay over many years has cost the council dearly. This agreement presents a real opportunity for the Council to limit further costs and to positively reset its relationship with its staff and trade unions. It’s an encouraging step forward and one as commissioners we are pleased to see the council make.”
