Unions Speak with Forked Tongues
Word is certainly getting around that the trade unions speak with forked tongues when it comes to equal pay.
The unions might talk a good fight, as they always do – but, as everyone knows, actions speak louder than words.
The latest debacle regarding hearing dates for Edinburgh is a prime example of union double speak – see post dated 25 July.
“We’ll take up your case, we won’t charge you anything”, the unions say.
But then they go on to make a complete hash of things - and start lining up alongside the employer – instead of standing up for the interests of ordinary union members.
Stefan Cross has objected strongly to Unison’s disgraceful attempt to delay a proper hearing of the Edinburgh claims until late 2010 – here’s why:
1. Some of the claims to be considered at the forthcoming GMF hearing were submitted four years ago - in October 2005
2. Any further delay is wholly unreasonable and is not in the interest of the claimants.
3. If Unison is unable to represent their clients at a GMF hearing until late 2010 - then that is their problem
4. If Unison is unable to progress these claims - they should not have taken them on in the first place
5. Penalising other claimants because Unison can’t get its act together - is unfair and unacceptable to the majority of claimants
Action 4 Equality Scotland
Our view is that the unions are not serious about getting to grips with these cases – that’s why things were allowed to slip and slide for so long - after the original Single Status (Equal Pay) Agreement was introduced in 1999.
Ten years on and the unions are doing exactly the same – finding excuses for delay and yet more navel gazing – that’s why so many ordinary union members are fed up to the back teeth with their antics.
Just look at the effort going into supporting the largely male refuse workers in Edinburgh – while Unison seeks to delay equal pay for women. Sound familiar?
If you want to transfer your claim to Action 4 Equality Scotland – ring us on 0845 300 3 800 or contact Mark Irvine at: markirvine@compuserve.com
The unions might talk a good fight, as they always do – but, as everyone knows, actions speak louder than words.
The latest debacle regarding hearing dates for Edinburgh is a prime example of union double speak – see post dated 25 July.
“We’ll take up your case, we won’t charge you anything”, the unions say.
But then they go on to make a complete hash of things - and start lining up alongside the employer – instead of standing up for the interests of ordinary union members.
Stefan Cross has objected strongly to Unison’s disgraceful attempt to delay a proper hearing of the Edinburgh claims until late 2010 – here’s why:
1. Some of the claims to be considered at the forthcoming GMF hearing were submitted four years ago - in October 2005
2. Any further delay is wholly unreasonable and is not in the interest of the claimants.
3. If Unison is unable to represent their clients at a GMF hearing until late 2010 - then that is their problem
4. If Unison is unable to progress these claims - they should not have taken them on in the first place
5. Penalising other claimants because Unison can’t get its act together - is unfair and unacceptable to the majority of claimants
Action 4 Equality Scotland
Our view is that the unions are not serious about getting to grips with these cases – that’s why things were allowed to slip and slide for so long - after the original Single Status (Equal Pay) Agreement was introduced in 1999.
Ten years on and the unions are doing exactly the same – finding excuses for delay and yet more navel gazing – that’s why so many ordinary union members are fed up to the back teeth with their antics.
Just look at the effort going into supporting the largely male refuse workers in Edinburgh – while Unison seeks to delay equal pay for women. Sound familiar?
If you want to transfer your claim to Action 4 Equality Scotland – ring us on 0845 300 3 800 or contact Mark Irvine at: markirvine@compuserve.com
