Anger of female staff over equal pay delay

The workers at East Dunbartonshire Council challenged their salary terms when it was revealed men doing similar jobs for the same employer were paid more.

One angry employee said this week the women were told in May offers from the council would be forthcoming within the next three months.

Six months on, they are still waiting.

One angry employee told the Herald this week: “In May this year we were told the council needed a further three months.

“Well, six months on, we are still waiting. When are we going to get the back pay we are legally entitled to?”

A fellow worker added: “In 2005 we initiated equal pay claims against the council and to date we are still awaiting settlement.

“Our lawyer has been in long-standing talks with the council and its website was updated earlier this year stating that despite reaching an agreement in principle, the lawyer hasn’t received any offers. They have chased up the offers repeatedly.

“This is proving a long 
frustrating battle with the council.

“We know the council 
were to borrow £2.9 million to settle but 
apparently didn’t take up the offer of the loan.

“Then we were told money had been set aside to settle. This is money we as employees are entitled to but are struggling to get this repaid to us.”

Ian Black, Director of Finance and Shared Services, said this week: “This is a complex legal process.

“The council continues to progress the intricate calculations required for each claimant in tandem with negotiations with 
the Trade Unions and legal representatives.

“The council remains committed to settling these claims which all take time to ensure a fair value is agreed and we are keeping the Tribunal advised of progress.”