Self-Help in South Lanarkshire
Readers in South Lanarkshire are in touch regularly to ask:
"Why is equal pay taking so long to resolve in our council - when so many other councils have already reached settlements, or partial settlements at least?"
Well the answer is that South Lanarkshire is doing everything in its power - to frustrate and delay people's claims.
The council refuses to provide proper pay information about traditional male jobs - then uses public money to slow the process down - at every turn.
The council says it has nothing to hide - then behaves as if its life depends on preventing local pay arrangements from coming under proper scrutiny.
So, what can people do to help themselves?
1 Get angry at the council's behaviour
South Lanarkshire's behaviour is disgraceful - no other council in Scotland has behaved this way over equal pay - its refusal to operate openly and transparently is a serious public issue.
2 Get organised - raise the issue with your local MSP
At this rate there is every chance the fight for equal pay will still be taking place next May 2011 - in the run-up to the Scottish Parliament elections.
3 Let your MSP know how you feel about the council's antics
Send an e-mail - get a group of friends together - request a meeting with your MSP and ask for their support. The issue is concealment - the council's refusal to explain its use of public funds.
4 Encourage people to speak out and come forward
Within the council are people who can explain how traditional male jobs were singled out - for special and more favourable treatment than their female colleagues.
5 Speak up and tell the truth
A few individuals could make all the difference - they may still be employed by the council, they may have retired or left the council recently - but their insight could be crucial.
6 Pass on any documents about Single Status in South Lanarkshire
Readers have already passed on internal documents about Single Status - from both the council and the trade unions - keep them coming.
If any reader has a practical idea or suggestion to make - feel free to fire away - many hands make light work, as they say - the more people who are pulling together and playing their part the better.
"Why is equal pay taking so long to resolve in our council - when so many other councils have already reached settlements, or partial settlements at least?"
Well the answer is that South Lanarkshire is doing everything in its power - to frustrate and delay people's claims.
The council refuses to provide proper pay information about traditional male jobs - then uses public money to slow the process down - at every turn.
The council says it has nothing to hide - then behaves as if its life depends on preventing local pay arrangements from coming under proper scrutiny.
So, what can people do to help themselves?
1 Get angry at the council's behaviour
South Lanarkshire's behaviour is disgraceful - no other council in Scotland has behaved this way over equal pay - its refusal to operate openly and transparently is a serious public issue.
2 Get organised - raise the issue with your local MSP
At this rate there is every chance the fight for equal pay will still be taking place next May 2011 - in the run-up to the Scottish Parliament elections.
3 Let your MSP know how you feel about the council's antics
Send an e-mail - get a group of friends together - request a meeting with your MSP and ask for their support. The issue is concealment - the council's refusal to explain its use of public funds.
4 Encourage people to speak out and come forward
Within the council are people who can explain how traditional male jobs were singled out - for special and more favourable treatment than their female colleagues.
5 Speak up and tell the truth
A few individuals could make all the difference - they may still be employed by the council, they may have retired or left the council recently - but their insight could be crucial.
6 Pass on any documents about Single Status in South Lanarkshire
Readers have already passed on internal documents about Single Status - from both the council and the trade unions - keep them coming.
If any reader has a practical idea or suggestion to make - feel free to fire away - many hands make light work, as they say - the more people who are pulling together and playing their part the better.
