Leeds City Council facing claims worth hundreds of millions of pounds from 'systematically underpaid' women
The claim from more than 4,000 women has been put to Leeds City Council
Leeds City Council faces equal pay claims worth hundreds of millions of pounds from women who claim that they have been “systematically underpaid”.
GMB Union is putting forward the claim from more than 4,000 women, which says they have been systematically underpaid for the work they do for the council.
GMB says there are structural pay differences between members of staff working in roles staffed predominantly by women - such as teaching assistant - and those roles carried out mostly by men such as refuse collection.
A council spokesperson has said that it “settled some elements of the claims” last year with the union and that it is keen to continue discussions on the outstanding elements of the claims.
‘Had enough of faithful promises’
Rachel Robertson GMB Organiser, said: “Women working at Leeds have had enough of faithful promises to settle their equal pay claim.
“They’re fed up with endless delays and are now demanding action.
“Thousands of them are owed millions of pounds and they want that cash in their pockets now.
“Until every one of them has received what they are owed, GMB will be ramping up the campaign for pay justice.”
Leeds City Council response
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “As a council we pride ourselves on treating people fairly and are determined to foster truly inclusive workplaces where there is no room for discrimination of any kind.
“This has been demonstrated by the constructive and collaborative approach we have taken during discussions with the GMB union over the equal pay claims it has brought on behalf of its members.
“We were pleased that we were able to settle some elements of the claims late last year, with the GMB saying the agreement highlighted what can be achieved when both sides engage in genuine dialogue. Despite further discussions, we have, as yet, been unable to reach a settlement on the outstanding elements of the claims.
“We would stress that we are keen to continue talks with the GMB with a view to agreeing a settlement on terms that work for all parties.
“In doing so we are mindful of our duty to the Leeds public – as the provider of a whole range of services that local people rely upon – to ensure that our budgets are managed in a prudent and robust manner, and any settlement must reflect that.”