MPs, MSPs and local councillors
Jim Devine - the MP for Livingston - has thrown his weight behind our efforts to get West Lothian Council to face up to its responsibilities on equal pay.
Jim is urging the council - in parliamentary language, of course - to get its finger out and settle all the outstanding equal pay claims. Speaking recently, Jim said:
"Female dominated fields of employment such as Home Caring have long been undervalued. However, ten years on from the landmark Single Status agreement, some workers are still discriminated against and nearly 300 cases with West Lothian Council are still outstanding".
"West Lothian Council should either defend these cases in Employment Tribunals or reach a negotiated settlement as councils in Glasgow and Edinburgh have".
"I would urge the Council to bring matters to a head as soon as possible. The present situation is not good for staff morale and should not be allowed to continue"
So, there you are - an MP who has come off the fence, stood up for what's right - and made a stand on behalf of his local constituents.
Other MPs, MSPs and indeed local councillors are perfectly able to do the same - the employers should either put up or shut up by defending the outstanding claims - and the more people who tell them that, the better things will be for all concerned.
If you need help in contacting your local MP, MSP or councillor - drop Mark Irvine a note at: markirvine@compuserve.com
Jim is urging the council - in parliamentary language, of course - to get its finger out and settle all the outstanding equal pay claims. Speaking recently, Jim said:
"Female dominated fields of employment such as Home Caring have long been undervalued. However, ten years on from the landmark Single Status agreement, some workers are still discriminated against and nearly 300 cases with West Lothian Council are still outstanding".
"West Lothian Council should either defend these cases in Employment Tribunals or reach a negotiated settlement as councils in Glasgow and Edinburgh have".
"I would urge the Council to bring matters to a head as soon as possible. The present situation is not good for staff morale and should not be allowed to continue"
So, there you are - an MP who has come off the fence, stood up for what's right - and made a stand on behalf of his local constituents.
Other MPs, MSPs and indeed local councillors are perfectly able to do the same - the employers should either put up or shut up by defending the outstanding claims - and the more people who tell them that, the better things will be for all concerned.
If you need help in contacting your local MP, MSP or councillor - drop Mark Irvine a note at: markirvine@compuserve.com
