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Network Journal 2008 Issue 3 May/June |
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ADM 2008: Speaking up for equality at work
Usdaw reps are determined to put equal pay and equality issues at the top of their agenda following a lively and energetic debate at conference.
Ray Taylor (Sainsbury's Northern) called for a 'complete cultural change in employers' attitudes to address the gender pay gap. "We all have a part to play," he said. "We need more flexible working in managerial positions which will allow women to compete with men. The Government has helped but not enough."
The Government should introduce legislation to force companies to carry out compulsory pay audits, Alex Davis (North Sussex) told conference.
"The UK has the biggest pay gap in Europe," she said. "There is also the problem ahead of a pension shortfall as it is mainly women who face poverty in retirement. We're not asking for more pay than men just equal pay."
Joseph Koffie (West of Scotland Tesco) spoke passionately about the need for equality reps to have statutory rights. "Let's get rid of inequality in the workplace," he said. "We can reach out to more of our black and Asian colleagues and by giving equality reps legal rights this is essential to our campaign."
Other speakers who joined the debate were; Mary Harker, Tommy Boyne, Chris Henders, Dick McSephney, David Chadwick, Peter Wolfe, Graham Parkin, Maria King-Nkosi, Harry Thompson and Thomas Hoy.
Deputy general secretary Paddy Lillis said: "Equality has always been a high priority at this conference and this year is no different.
"These are vitally important issues for our members. It's right that we continue to draw attention to the ongoing scandal of unequal pay between men and women. Equal pay audits will help clarify exactly what is going on in companies and by having these we can help ensure fairness at work. A vital part of this process would be to have equality reps who have the same legal rights as their union and health and safety counterparts."
www.usdaw.org.uk/equality
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