Job re-evaluation completed at council

North Lanarkshire Council and the UNISON, Unite and GMB trade unions have completed a re-evaluation of eight job roles.
North Lanarkshire Council has come to an agreement with unionsNorth Lanarkshire Council has come to an agreement with unions
North Lanarkshire Council has come to an agreement with unions

Working with an independent advisor, a joint team of council staff and trade union officials have been involved in carrying out the re-evaluation, the outcome of which was approved at the council’s Policy and Resources Committee.

The eight jobs are home support worker, school crossing patroller, playground supervisor, road sweeper, two grades of gardener and chargehand gardener.

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Employees in these jobs will be notified about the outcome of the exercise formally over the coming days and there is no detriment to any employee as a result.

Councillor Paul Kelly, depute leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “This re-evaluation exercise was agreed by the council and the trade unions as part of equal pay settlements and I’m delighted that it is now complete.

“The most crucial element is that there is no detriment to any employee as a result.

“I would like to thank the council staff involved for their efforts on what has been, at times, a complex journey. I would also like to thank the trade unions and their representatives for the positive way they have approached this joint work and their input into the joint project board which has overseen this work.

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“It is particularly pleasing to complete another chapter on equal pay, which we are determined to address quickly and effectively, so soon after reaching agreement on a number of claims last week. We are absolutely committed to equality and this is another sign of that commitment.”

Representatives of the three unions welcomed the agreement.

Marie Quigley, UNISON branch secretary, said: “I very much welcome the positive outcome of this re-evaluation process. It’s the latest victory in our fight for equal pay.

“The result finally puts an end to the inequality that many women who work hard for this council have both endured and fought against for years.

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“I want to thank everyone who worked tirelessly to achieve this result, particularly the union reps and council officers who worked together to make sure that the process was carried out in a fair, honest and professional way.

“I also would like to thank our members, who have waited a very long time for this result, for their patience and support.”

William McGonigle of Unite added: “I would like to thank all the staff and others who have participated in this process for their hard work which has produced a positive outcome for our members. This has been a long time coming and I’m delighted that this has been resolved for those members. They are now on an equal footing but we will continue the fight against inequality wherever we find it.”

Tony Dowling, senior officer for the GMB, said: “Equality in all its forms is of paramount importance to the GMB and equal pay for work done by ordinary hard working people is a fundamental right embodied in legislation that for decades was ignored.

“The GMB supports equal pay fully and will work with employers to achieve this aim in what can be lengthy and complex negotiations.”