After years of campaigning, thousands of women employed by Birmingham City Council are set to receive settlement payouts in a historic equal pay case. The agreement, reached between the council, Unison, and the GMB union, will provide compensation to approximately 6,000 female staff members, including teaching assistants, who had been underpaid in comparison to colleagues in male-dominated roles.
The equal pay issue has been a significant factor in the council’s financial struggles, culminating in a declaration of effective bankruptcy last year. The authority revealed it faced a staggering £760 million bill to settle the claims. While the specifics of the agreement remain confidential, the council’s cabinet is expected to formally approve the settlement on 17 December.
For many, the decision marks the end of a long and difficult battle. The campaign, launched four years ago, highlighted systemic pay disparities affecting women in roles such as teaching assistants, cleaners, and catering staff. Union leaders praised the resilience of the women who championed the cause. Rhea Wolfson from the GMB union described the outcome as a “significant step towards pay justice” and attributed the success to the unwavering leadership of those involved. Clare Campbell of Unison called it “a good day for low-paid women,” adding, “They will at last get the pay justice they deserve.”
Outside Birmingham’s Council House, women gathered to celebrate the settlement, many reflecting on the sacrifices made to achieve this victory. Ms. Whatley, who also works as a waitress, hopes the settlement will allow her to reduce her second job’s hours. “We’ve had to come out of work, and the kids have missed education because of it,” she told BBC, emphasizing the importance of standing up for rights to inspire future generations.
The council has faced mounting equal pay claims since a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2012 found that female employees missed out on bonuses awarded to their male counterparts. Over the years, Birmingham City Council has paid out nearly £1.1 billion in claims. Council leader John Cotton described the agreement as the culmination of “an intense period of dialogue” and an essential milestone on the council’s path to recovery.
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