Birmingham City Council has reached a landmark agreement to settle historic equal pay claims, ending a four year campaign led by the GMB union.
The agreement was brought on by the two unions on behalf of the women employed by the council and Birmingham Children’s Trust.
Women who deliver essential roles in the city, such as teaching assistants, catering staff and care workers will receive significant sums they are ‘owed and deserve’, says trade union, UNISON.
Leader of the city council, Cllr John Cotton described equal pay as the ‘‘biggest challenge’’ he faced.
Cllr Cotton said: "When I was appointed as Leader two years ago, I labelled equal pay the single biggest challenge that the council has faced and vowed to deal with the matter once and for all.
“We're doing exactly that and this deal represents another key milestone on our journey.
“I want to thank GMB and UNISON for working so constructively with the council to right a historic wrong."
Delcan Downes, GMB regional officer, described the announcement as a major victory for members.
He added: “Today’s historic announcement is a fantastic result for GMB members at Birmingham City Council.
“They have fought tirelessly for equal pay and for pay justice. The lowest-paid workers will benefit from this, and it can’t come soon enough.
“Any day without pay justice is a day too long, and our members have fought extremely hard so today’s announcement will be a weight off their minds.”
The agreement will go before the council’s cabinet for approval, with payments expected to begin next year.
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