Remembering Glasgow's Fight For Equal Pay
Some of Glasgow's equal pay claimants will be laying a wreath at the Memorial Bench in George Square tomorrow - Friday 23 October 2020.
The aim is to mark the historic two-day strike for equal pay in October 2018 as well as remembering the many friends and colleagues who passed away while waiting for their claims to be settled.
All welcome - 12.30pm at the Memorial Bench opposite the City Chambers in George Square.
Well Done, Glasgow 3 (07/05/20 )
The Memorial Bench in George Square still has its flowers and since the unveiling on Friday other local people have added their own personal tributes.
Every time I pass the spot I meet someone reading the cards, or the inscription, who is interested in knowing more about the background to the bench and the long fight for equal pay with Glasgow City Council.
At some point, of course, the flowers will have to be removed and when that happens those sitting on the bench will be looking straight at Glasgow City Chambers.
So the good news is that the Memorial Bench has achieved its intended purpose already.
Well Done, Glasgow 2 (04/0519)
I walked through George Square again yesterday afternoon by which time the equal pay Memorial Bench was in splendid sunshine.
So I thought I would share another photo of the bench along with some of the many messages of heartfelt support posted on Facebook.
R.I.P 💔💔💔
L
Beautiful ❤❤xx
M
A
What a very emotional day 
xx
xxF
Just beautiful ❤❤
R
M
Big thanks to Joseph Duffy for getting our lovely bench made for us & also to Sean and his colleagues from the Council's Parks Department who ensured that everything went so smoothly on the day 👌❤️
F
thanx guys ❤
E
A lovely tribute to those that died. God bless them all xx 💔💔💔
P
Beautiful tribute
B
S
The memory bench for all the workers that have passed while fighting for there Equal Pay they will never ever be forgotten rest in peace each and everyone of them 😢❤️ xxx
D
It was a lovely tribute and for Elaine’s family to turn up made it even more special 😘
The memory bench for all the workers that have passed while fighting for there Equal Pay they will never ever be forgotten rest in peace each and everyone of them 😢❤️ xxx
D
It was a lovely tribute and for Elaine’s family to turn up made it even more special 😘
M
T
Just beautiful. Maybe when this is all settled you can have a long holiday and think of yourself Frances. You’re one of the most selfless people I have the pleasure to call my friend.xxx
C
M
R
Beautiful tribute👏👏👏
A
Well done Frances.x
P
Beautiful tribute. Well done ❤️❤️❤️
S
Beautiful tribute god bless well done ❤️❤️
C
The bench is for everyone, it gives us all comfort. It will give me comfort, I am only in town twice a week and I plan to come and sit here and think of my family friend and close pal that I lost.
R
Very emotional unveiling of the bench dedicated to equal claimants who have passed away. Congratulations to all those that made this happen. It will be a very special memorial that families and colleagues can enjoy and remember. Solidarity everyone xx
Very emotional unveiling of the bench dedicated to equal claimants who have passed away. Congratulations to all those that made this happen. It will be a very special memorial that families and colleagues can enjoy and remember. Solidarity everyone xx
GMB
Here is a photo of the Memorial Bench to Glasgow's 'fallen' equal pay Claimants which is sits proudly in George Square facing the City Chambers.
Some lovely flowers were placed on the bench by Action 4 Equality Scotland, Unison and the GMB.
Thanks to every who came long - Claimants, family members, GMB and Unison.
Thanks also to Sean (in the background) and his colleagues from the Council's Parks Department who ensured that everything went so smoothly on the day.
A special mention as well to Jennifer McCarey from Unison who spoke warmly of the 'fallen' Claimants and people's sadness at their untimely passing during the 12 year long Glasgow campaign.
Last but not least a big thanks to Frances Stojilkovic and all the other Claimants who raised the funds and worked so hard behind the scenes to make today happen.
Please visit the Memorial Bench next time you are passing George Square and spare a thought for the fallen Claimants and their families.
I'm off to George Square this morning for the unveiling of the Memorial Bench to all of the 163 Claimants who have passed away during the long fight for equal pay with Glasgow City Council.
Here's a photo of the flowers that Frances S has ordered for the occasion - other photos will follow later later and hopefully the rain will stay away!
MORE MEMORIES
The shocking thing about reminding ourselves about those that have passed still waiting, is how young so many of them.
TODAY RIP MARY ISBISTER
Her daughter Michelle says
My lovely wee mum Mary Isbister
DOB: 25/11/1954
Passed away on: 27 May 2016
If my mum was still alive today she
two would have be out supporting the strike just like I will be. 💪
Shame on you Glasgow City Council you have dragged your feet on this pay claim for far too long that people have passed away waiting on your finger out. Pay everyone what they are due and settle this issue once and for all Glasgow.
#equal pay
#justice
# fight all the way lady’s 💪💪
”In memory of my lovely mum Mary Isbister ❤️
Thank you Michelle.
Stefan Cross
ANOTHER TO REMEMBER - ELAINE RUSSELL
I got this message from another bereaved relative - DONNA BURNS
I’m so grateful to the relatives for allowing me to do this.
So RIP ELAINE. not forgotten.
Hi Stefan
I think it is great that you are including the women that have passed away in this fight for quality. I would like it if you can include my late mother. Elaine Russell ,home care co ordinator.
Born 25/5/1959 passed away 20/12/2014
My mother was a hard working woman who did all the hours to care for her family and to know that she was robbed of money that she was rightly owed is disgusting behaviour from GCC.
I hope that all my mum's colleagues and the rest of the woman out there get what is rightly theirs.
ANN MCCARTNEY RIP
Another incredibly young loss. Thanks to husband HUGH for sharing.
Agnes (Known as Ann) McCartney
Support for Learning worker – 19/12/2002 - 01/08/2014
DOB: 09/02/1957
Passed away in 2014
Comment from Husband Hugh McCartney
I find it astonishing that 12 years on from when the dispute began that Glasgow District Council have still to come to an agreement when other Councils have already settled their claims.
Agnes or Ann as she was called by everyone was one of the first to back the equal pay claim and also encouraged others to do the same.
She would be turning in her grave now to find that 4 years after her death, this claim has not been settled and that the council are still dragging negotiations out.
This is a scandal and Glasgow District Council should be ashamed of themselves.
Stefan Cross
Whilst the council scaremongers about the risk to clients
Let’s remember those claimants who have actually passed and whose families still wait for justice.
Let’s remember:
The late Maureen McDonald
DOB: 24/04/1958
Passed away on: 15 March 2015
Catering Manager 01/04/1998 to 25/06/2011
Comments from Husband Charles McDonald
”In memory of my late wife Maureen McDonald I would like to add my support to the cause for equal pay. The City Council have dragged their feet on this pay claim for far too long. Pay the lassies what they are due and settle this issue once and for all Glasgow.”
Thank you Mr. McDonald. We will keep on fighting for you.
And thank you for the great photo.
RIP Maureen.
We will keep up her memory and many others like her.
Stefan Cross
Glasgow's March and Rally for Equal Pay held a minute's silence for all the claimants who have passed away since this long-running dispute began back in 2006/07.
Respect.
RIP ELAINE MCNEIL
This was the lass who died in the snow. I’m sure all of us shed a tear at this awful tragedy. Her family have said :
Can you put my sister Elaine Gunn McNeil on who passed away going to work on February this year 42 she was going to care for her clients at Parkhouse in Milton walked through the snow to care for her clients. Never made it home. Family left devastated
Thanks Maryellen
Her Sister
Privileged to do that Maryellen
Stefan Cross
Well Done, Glasgow! (03/05/19)
Here is a photo of the Memorial Bench to Glasgow's 'fallen' equal pay Claimants which is sits proudly in George Square facing the City Chambers.
Some lovely flowers were placed on the bench by Action 4 Equality Scotland, Unison and the GMB.
Thanks to every who came long - Claimants, family members, GMB and Unison.
Thanks also to Sean (in the background) and his colleagues from the Council's Parks Department who ensured that everything went so smoothly on the day.
A special mention as well to Jennifer McCarey from Unison who spoke warmly of the 'fallen' Claimants and people's sadness at their untimely passing during the 12 year long Glasgow campaign.
Last but not least a big thanks to Frances Stojilkovic and all the other Claimants who raised the funds and worked so hard behind the scenes to make today happen.
Please visit the Memorial Bench next time you are passing George Square and spare a thought for the fallen Claimants and their families.
In Loving Memory - Glasgow's Fight for Equal Pay
163 Equal Pay Claimants passed away during the long fight for equal pay with Glasgow City Council, many of them at a young age.
As a mark of respect, their council colleagues decided to raise money for a Memorial Bench which will be permanently located in George Square facing Glasgow City Chambers.
A brass plaque has been fitted to the bench along with the following message:
In Loving Memory
of the 163 Claimants who passed away
during the long fight for equal pay with
Glasgow City Council
January 2007 - May 2019
The Memorial Bench will be unveiled at 10am on Friday 3 May 2019.
The event is being organised by the council colleagues of those who have passed away while waiting for their equal pay claims to be settled - the families of these individuals have been invited to attend as well.
A photo-call has been arranged for 10am this morning (Friday 3 May) outside the City Chambers - all welcome.
In Loving Memory (24/10/18)
One of the most powerful moments during yesterday's extraordinary March and Rally in support of equal pay was the minute's silence in Glasgow's George Square for all the claimants who have passed away since this dispute began back in 2006/07.
It is, quite simply, a scandal.
In Loving Memory (23/10/18)
Before Glasgow's March and Rally for Equal Pay gets underway later today (Tuesday) there will be a minute's silence for all of the claimants who have passed away since this long-running dispute began back in 2006/07.
Here are Facebook posts from Stefan Cross 'Remembering' Glasgow claimants.
In Loving Memory - Mary Isbister
Before Glasgow's March and Rally for Equal Pay gets underway tomorrow (Tuesday 23rd) there will be a minute's silence for all of the claimants who have passed away since this long-running dispute began back in 2006/07.
Here's a Facebook post from Stefan Cross which Remembers another Glasgow claimant - Mary Isbister
MORE MEMORIES
The shocking thing about reminding ourselves about those that have passed still waiting, is how young so many of them.
TODAY RIP MARY ISBISTER
Her daughter Michelle says
My lovely wee mum Mary Isbister
DOB: 25/11/1954
Passed away on: 27 May 2016
If my mum was still alive today she
two would have be out supporting the strike just like I will be. 💪
Shame on you Glasgow City Council you have dragged your feet on this pay claim for far too long that people have passed away waiting on your finger out. Pay everyone what they are due and settle this issue once and for all Glasgow.
#equal pay
#justice
# fight all the way lady’s 💪💪
”In memory of my lovely mum Mary Isbister ❤️
Thank you Michelle.
Stefan Cross
In Loving Memory - Elaine Russell
Before Glasgow's March and Rally for Equal Pay gets underway tomorrow (Tuesday 23rd) there will be a minute's silence for all of the claimants who have passed away since this long-running dispute began back in 2006/07.
Here's a Facebook post from Stefan Cross which Remembers another Glasgow claimant - Elaine Russell.
I got this message from another bereaved relative - DONNA BURNS
I’m so grateful to the relatives for allowing me to do this.
So RIP ELAINE. not forgotten.
Hi Stefan
I think it is great that you are including the women that have passed away in this fight for quality. I would like it if you can include my late mother. Elaine Russell ,home care co ordinator.
Born 25/5/1959 passed away 20/12/2014
My mother was a hard working woman who did all the hours to care for her family and to know that she was robbed of money that she was rightly owed is disgusting behaviour from GCC.
I hope that all my mum's colleagues and the rest of the woman out there get what is rightly theirs.
In Loving Memory - Margaret Gorman
Before Glasgow's March and Rally for Equal Pay gets underway tomorrow (Tuesday 23rd) there will be a minute's silence for all of the claimants who have passed away since this long-running dispute began back in 2006/07.
Here's a Facebook post from Stefan Cross which Remembers another Glasgow claimant - Margaret Gorman
MARGARET GORMAN - RIP
Shout to GORDON and his beloved wife Margaret.
16 years as a home carer.
She sadly passed away 5 YEARS AGO. This show the obscene delay in these cases.
Home Carer - 01/07/1994 to 20/11/2010
DOB: 08/04/1952
Passed away on the 12/02/2013
Here is a message from her husband :
My name is Gordon Gorman , I have been representing my late wife through Stefan since my wife passed away while waiting for her claim for equal pay settlement along with her working colleagues. I'm more than happy for a photo of my late wife to be shown in respect to this matter and also in support of her colleagues who are still fighting for this while the council are stalling in settlement in my wife's case and others who have now passed away while waiting for a settlement. I know Margaret would be happy to support her working colleagues in any way that she could. As Margaret's husband and Executor I give you the authority to show her photo in support off her claim that is still waiting to be settled .
Gordon Gorman
Thanks Gordon.
In Loving Memory - Ann McCartney
Before Glasgow's March and Rally for Equal Pay gets underway tomorrow (Tuesday 23rd) there will be a minute's silence for all of the claimants who have passed away since this long-running dispute began back in 2006/07.
Here's a Facebook post from Stefan Cross which Remembers another Glasgow claimant - Ann (Agnes) McCartney
ANN MCCARTNEY RIP
Another incredibly young loss. Thanks to husband HUGH for sharing.
Agnes (Known as Ann) McCartney
Support for Learning worker – 19/12/2002 - 01/08/2014
DOB: 09/02/1957
Passed away in 2014
Comment from Husband Hugh McCartney
I find it astonishing that 12 years on from when the dispute began that Glasgow District Council have still to come to an agreement when other Councils have already settled their claims.
Agnes or Ann as she was called by everyone was one of the first to back the equal pay claim and also encouraged others to do the same.
She would be turning in her grave now to find that 4 years after her death, this claim has not been settled and that the council are still dragging negotiations out.
This is a scandal and Glasgow District Council should be ashamed of themselves.
Stefan Cross
In Loving Memory - Maureen McDonald
Before Glasgow's March and Rally for Equal Pay gets underway tomorrow (Tuesday 23rd) there will be a minute's silence for all of the claimants who have passed away since this long-running dispute began back in 2006/07.
Here's a Facebook post from Stefan Cross which Remembers Maureen McDonald.
Whilst the council scaremongers about the risk to clients
Let’s remember those claimants who have actually passed and whose families still wait for justice.
Let’s remember:
The late Maureen McDonald
DOB: 24/04/1958
Passed away on: 15 March 2015
Catering Manager 01/04/1998 to 25/06/2011
Comments from Husband Charles McDonald
”In memory of my late wife Maureen McDonald I would like to add my support to the cause for equal pay. The City Council have dragged their feet on this pay claim for far too long. Pay the lassies what they are due and settle this issue once and for all Glasgow.”
Thank you Mr. McDonald. We will keep on fighting for you.
And thank you for the great photo.
RIP Maureen.
We will keep up her memory and many others like her.
Stefan Cross
In Loving Memory (24/10/18)
Glasgow's March and Rally for Equal Pay held a minute's silence for all the claimants who have passed away since this long-running dispute began back in 2006/07.
Here's a Facebook post from Stefan Cross which Remembers another Glasgow claimant - Elaine McNeil - who sadly never made it home after battling with the awful weather conditions of the 'Beast from the East' to look after her clients.
RIP ELAINE MCNEIL
This was the lass who died in the snow. I’m sure all of us shed a tear at this awful tragedy. Her family have said :
Can you put my sister Elaine Gunn McNeil on who passed away going to work on February this year 42 she was going to care for her clients at Parkhouse in Milton walked through the snow to care for her clients. Never made it home. Family left devastated
Thanks Maryellen
Her Sister
Privileged to do that Maryellen
Stefan Cross
