Union and council hold ‘constructive’ talks after equal pay strike in Glasgow

Union and council leaders in Glasgow say they have had a “positive and constructive” meeting following a two-day strike over equal pay.

Hundreds of schools were closed and care services affected when more than 8,000 members of the Unison and GMB unions walked out on Tuesday for the 48-hour strike – believed to be the biggest of its kind.

Around 12,500 workers, mostly women, are proceeding with claims against the council following a Court of Session ruling last year.

Glasgow City Council said the strike was unnecessary as it hopes to reach a settlement in the coming months and start paying out in the next financial year.

Both sides met on Thursday after the strike.

A council spokeswoman described the meeting as “constructive” and said talks would continue.

GMB Scotland organiser Hazel Nolan said: “Today’s meeting was positive and constructive. Next week the joint claimant organisations will enter into what we expect will be meaningful negotiations with Glasgow City Council.

“Our members and their families can take great pride that the sacrifice and solidarity they have shown has returned their employer to the negotiating table.

“Equal pay justice hasn’t been won today, we still have plenty hard work ahead of us, but we will move forward in good faith and with optimism.

“It is now in everyone’s interests to move at pace and deliver fair and full equal pay settlements. That’s what our women expect and that’s what the city expects.”

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