Birmingham Council effectively declared itself bankrupt in 2023 – and the equal pay issue was one of many factors which contributed
A protest over equal pay outside Birmingham Council House in 2024(Image: Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live)
A union has warned Birmingham could face more equal pay strikes in the future amid claims that school workers have been “short-changed”.
The equal pay issue was one of the many factors which contributed to Birmingham City Council effectively declaring itself bankrupt in September 2023 – an alarming moment which was followed by unprecedented service cuts.
Unions have claimed that thousands of women have been “paid less than they are worth” and have been fighting for progress on equal pay.
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There appeared to be a breakthrough on the issue late last year however when the Labour-run council, UNISON and GMB announced they had reached a ‘framework agreement’ to settle claims.
But GMB has said that it will today, July 1, begin a consultative vote on strike action – a move which will gauge members’ interest.
Around 3,000 workers across Birmingham schools are expected to take part in this initial ballot.
The union argued that progress on resolving the equal pay issue is “too slow” and demanded settlement of the claims.
Rachel Fagan, GMB regional organiser, said: “It’s been nearly two years since the council finally admitted they had an equal pay crisis on their hands.
Birmingham City Council House.(Image: Copyright Unknown)
“Since then we’ve seen missed opportunity after missed opportunity to do right by women workers.
“Meanwhile thousands of women are still being short changed and paid less than they are worth.”
She continued: “GMB members have been promised settlement by the Autumn, but progress is too slow.
“They are voting to send a message that enough is enough; they are worth more and demand settlement of Birmingham’s equal pay claims.”
‘Council continues to work at pace’
A spokesperson for the council said the local authority recognises it has, over many years, failed to address all of its equal pay risks.
“We have committed to ending that,” they continued. “Progress towards settling equal pay claims following the agreement reached in November 2024 is in line with plans agreed in partnership with GMB.
“The council continues to work at pace and progressively with GMB to begin settling claims by the end of this year.
“The council will work with GMB to understand the root of the issues now presented in a consultative ballot.”
They went on to stress that “this is not a ballot for industrial action”.
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“We sincerely hope that this will not delay our ability to keep to the timelines agreed with GMB and get payments into the hands of the eligible workers,” the council spokesperson added.
“We are committed to ensuring that all staff are treated fairly and paid equitably.”
Industrial action has already taken its toll on Birmingham this year due to the ongoing bin strike.
The dispute, between Unite the union and the council, was triggered by the loss of the Waste Recycling and Collection Officer role and remains unresolved.
Striking workers have raised concerns about pay while the council’s leadership has repeatedly insisted that a “fair and reasonable” offer has been made.