Tribunal battle begins for three home carers fighting for equal pay against Scotland’s biggest council

Tribunal battle commences for three home carers challenging Scotland’s largest council for equal pay

In a recent development, three determined women have initiated an employment tribunal against Scotland’s largest local authority, Glasgow City Council, in pursuit of fair pay. The trio, comprising Lorraine Donnachie, Audrey Masson, and Helen Mitchell, who serve as home carers for the council, have declined previous equal pay offers alleging lack of transparency from the council, unions, and legal representatives in the calculation of settlements.

The women firmly believe they are owed significant sums by the council and have embarked on this legal course to seek justice. The employment tribunal, held in Glasgow, marked the inaugural hearing for the trio, who are hopeful for a resolution to the longstanding dispute. Lorraine, aged 61, expressed her optimism stating, “I hope this is the beginning of the end of this. We’ve been fighting for it for years and it has dragged on.”

Glasgow City Council has already settled a substantial number of claims since 2018 amounting to £770m, with a multitude of women accepting the offers following recommendations from unions and claims firm Action4Equality. Concerns were raised as it emerged that nearly 7% of each claim was being allocated to legal fees, despite union members being entitled to free representation.

The three women have chosen to represent themselves after their trade unions withdrew support upon rejecting the pay offers. Despite facing challenges, including delays orchestrated by the council, the women remain resolute in their quest for just compensation. They have engaged in dialogue with mediators to explore pathways for resolving the dispute, with a subsequent hearing scheduled for December 16.

Having reached out to local MPs, MSPs, and councillors to shed light on their predicament, the women expressed disappointment over the lack of response. Undeterred, Lorraine emphasised, “It’s really disappointing but we’re not giving up… people will ignore you but you have to keep trying.”

In response, a Glasgow City Council spokesman articulated, “…it is only right that claimants are able to take whatever course they feel is most appropriate.” The tribunal’s proceedings underscore the significance of equal pay advocacy and the challenges faced by individuals striving for workplace fairness.

Insights:
The determination exhibited by Lorraine Donnachie, Audrey Masson, and Helen Mitchell in pursuing equal pay against Glasgow City Council highlights the ongoing battle for gender equality in the workplace. The case reflects broader systemic issues concerning transparency in pay settlements and the need for robust support mechanisms for workers seeking redress.

Summary:
The initiation of the employment tribunal by the three home carers signifies a pivotal moment in the fight for equal pay, underscoring the resilience and unwavering commitment of individuals in challenging disparities within the workforce. The proceedings serve as a poignant reminder of the persistent hurdles faced by workers in advocating for equitable compensation and the imperative for transparency and accountability in addressing such inequities.