Ode to South Lanarkshire
We've had lots of calls from employees in South Lanarkshire Council in the past few weeks. Here's a brief summary of what people have been calling about:
Is it too late to register an equal pay claim?
No, it's not too late - but the sooner people do so the better - because the five year back pay claim is triggered only when a case is registered - then the claim starts adding time on (going forward). So, you are losing out by sitting on the fence.
Won't everyone benefit when South Lanarkshire finally admits defeat?
No, definitely not - only those employees who have registered a claim will get any back pay - anyone sitting on the sidelines - waiting to see what happens - won't get a single penny.
Do male workers have a claim?
Yes, those in predominantly female jobs (carers, catering workers and cleaners - for example) have exactly the same claim as their colleagues.
What about school janitors?
Yes, some predominantly male groups will still have a claim - although it relies on the female groups winning their claim first (see post dated 15 January 2008 -"Glasgow Jannies").
Hasn't South Lanarkshire Council solved equal pay through Single Status?
No, not in our opinion - not by a long chalk. Traditional male jobs in South Lanarkshire are still paid much more than traditional female jobs (see post dated 14 November 2007). Gardeners and refuse workers in South Lanarkshire are paid just as much as they are paid in Glasgow, Falkirk or North Lanarkshire (see post dated 8 January 2008).
Is it too late to register an equal pay claim?
No, it's not too late - but the sooner people do so the better - because the five year back pay claim is triggered only when a case is registered - then the claim starts adding time on (going forward). So, you are losing out by sitting on the fence.
Won't everyone benefit when South Lanarkshire finally admits defeat?
No, definitely not - only those employees who have registered a claim will get any back pay - anyone sitting on the sidelines - waiting to see what happens - won't get a single penny.
Do male workers have a claim?
Yes, those in predominantly female jobs (carers, catering workers and cleaners - for example) have exactly the same claim as their colleagues.
What about school janitors?
Yes, some predominantly male groups will still have a claim - although it relies on the female groups winning their claim first (see post dated 15 January 2008 -"Glasgow Jannies").
Hasn't South Lanarkshire Council solved equal pay through Single Status?
No, not in our opinion - not by a long chalk. Traditional male jobs in South Lanarkshire are still paid much more than traditional female jobs (see post dated 14 November 2007). Gardeners and refuse workers in South Lanarkshire are paid just as much as they are paid in Glasgow, Falkirk or North Lanarkshire (see post dated 8 January 2008).
Any sign of the finishing post?
Not yet - but things can change quickly and have done before. A good sign is that the number of Action 4 Equality clients in South Lanarkshire has just about doubled in the past six months - which sends a real message to the council - but keep spreading the word - because sooner or later South Lanarkshire will need to come to its senses.
"Facts are chiels that winna ding. And canna be disputed", as Robert Burns once said.
