Strike warning over 'too slow' equal pay action

Birmingham could face more strikes over equal pay, a union has warned, amid claims that school workers have been "short-changed".

The GMB union said it would begin a consultative vote on strike action to gauge members' interest in the potential move.

About 3,000 workers are expected to take part in the initial vote, with the union arguing progress on resolving equal pay issues has been "too slow".

Birmingham City Council said progress was in line with plans agreed with the union in November 2024.

"The council will work with GMB to understand the root of the issues now presented in a consultative ballot," a spokesperson for the authority said.

They said the vote was not a ballot for industrial action, and added: "We sincerely hope that this will not delay our ability to keep to the timelines agreed with GMB and get payments into the hands of the eligible workers."

The issue of equal pay was one of the many factors which contributed to Birmingham City Council effectively declaring itself bankrupt in September 2023.

The unions said thousands of women were "paid less than they are worth" and the authority acknowledged it had failed to address all of its equal pay problems.

There had appeared to be a breakthrough on the issue late last year when it was announced a "framework agreement" had been reached to settle claims with the city council.

Rachel Fagan, GMB regional organiser, said members had been promised a settlement by the autumn, but progress was too slow.

"It's been nearly two years since the council finally admitted they had an equal pay crisis on their hands," she said.

"Since then we've seen missed opportunity after missed opportunity to do right by women workers.

"Meanwhile thousands of women are still being short changed and paid less than they are worth."

The city council said it was committed to ensuring all staff were treated fairly and paid equitably.

Industrial action has already been taking its toll on Birmingham this year due to the ongoing bin strike.

Striking workers have raised concerns about pay while the council's leadership has repeatedly insisted that a "fair and reasonable" offer has been made.

This is a shot across the bows from the GMB Union, who want Birmingham City Council to be left in no doubt that they are prepared to take further industrial action over equal pay.

It comes as refuse workers in the city, members of the Unite Union, continue their 13th week of all-out strike action, over plans the council leader has admitted will see some staff lose money.

The council says it has made a fair and reasonable offer to try and end that dispute, but any action that could reopen equal pay liabilities, would be a "red line".

The threat of a disruptive strike by the GMB is no doubt intended to ensure negotiators at the council are not tempted to bend on that principle.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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