NEWS RELEASE
Trade Union Women call on UK Government to get tough on Equal Pay
Women trade unionists from across Scotland will today call for reform of equal pay legislation to place the burden of proof on employers. Women workers participating in the annual STUC Women's Conference at St Andrew's in the Square, Glasgow, on Tuesday and Wednesday 18-19 November will argue that the UK Government's current policy on encouraging voluntary equal pay audits just isn't working. Opening the Women's Conference Agnes Tolmie STUC Women's Committee Chair will say: "Women have waited far too long for equal pay. After 30 years of equal pay legislation, it is clear that employers are still getting away with paying women less than men. Women working full-time earn on average 18% less an hour than men working full-time. Those who work part-time earn 40% less an hour than full-time men. This has a massive impact for women and their families, and can result in pension poverty for so many". A motion at the Conference calls for naming and shaming of employers who refuse to conduct equal pay audits, and for action to address job segregation. Conference will also debate access to childcare, fair pay and conditions for nursery nurses, and how to ensure the success of the new Scottish Women's Convention the body to ensure women's views are represented in policy making processes.
Ends Notes to Editors
STUC Women's Conference takes place at St Andrew's in the Square, Saltmarket, Glasgow, Tuesday 18 (10am-5pm) Wednesday 19 November (9.30am 4pm).
For further comment, please contact: Mary Senior Rozanne Foyer Tracey White