Union claims

We've had a steady stream of enquiries from union members who are understandably anxious about their equal pay claims - in light of the recent judgement from the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) - see post dated 1 July 2008.

In the circumstances, the best thing people can do is to:

1 Ask their trade union for a clear written explanation about whether or not the recent EAT decision affects their claim. And if not, why not?

2 Specifically, the union's response should clarify whether members' grievances were registered on an individual basis from day one OR via a collective grievance naming the members involved.

3 ASK FOR A COPY OF ALL GRIEVANCES RELEVANT TO YOUR CASE - THIS IS MOST IMPORTANT SO THAT THE RESPONSE CAN BE CONSIDERED. IF YOUR REQUEST IS REFUSED, YOU CAN COMPLAIN TO THE LAW SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND.

4 It is perfectly reasonable to ask that the trade unions explain these issues quickly and precisely - after all an equal pay claim is the property of the individual member - it does not belong to the union or the union's lawyers.

5 If you are unhappy with your trade union's response, you are free to ask someone else for advice before deciding how to proceed.