North Lanarkshire Council and GMB union reach equal pay deal
An agreement in principle has been reached to end a long-running equal pay dispute between North Lanarkshire Council and about 200 female staff.
The GMB union said women care workers, cleaners and janitors had been subject to pay discrimination in comparison with their male counterparts.
The union said improved offers had now been made which put members in line for "significant equal pay awards".
The council described the offer as a "positive step" in ending the dispute.
North Lanarkshire Council Leader Jim Logue said: "I have made it clear since becoming council leader that we will settle equal pay claims where these are justified.
"I am pleased to say this agreement in principle, which is subject to further discussion, with the GMB union, is a positive step towards that aim.
"This is a major milestone which I hope will mark a departure from the confrontations of the past. We have negotiated in a sensible and constructive manner with the GMB and its legal advisers to reach agreement."
Councillor Logue said the council had paid about £100m in equal pay claims in recent years and wanted to resolve the issue.
GMB Scotland organiser Hazel Nolan said fresh negotiations began after "a recent change in leadership at the council".
"Improved settlement offers subsequently followed, meaning GMB Scotland members can now look forward to significant equal pay awards," she said.
"The new council leadership immediately recognised the need to resolve this inequality and their willingness to work with GMB Scotland in negotiating a proper settlement means our members are at last getting justice.
"Our 'Equal Pay Now' campaign was organised after our members, including home care workers, cleaners and janitors, were forced into a protracted dispute with North Lanarkshire Council's previous leadership over pay discrimination in comparison with their male counterparts."