Workers given green light to pursue equal pay claims

Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/29/workers-equal-pay-claims-court

Summary:

174 women who worked for the Birmingham city council have won their crusade against discrimination. The women, who felt the wages they were being paid infringed the Equal Pay Act of 1970, decided to take a stand after other lower-paid women had a similar cases against Sheffield city council.

The court of appeal will now be hearing the cases of cooks, cleaners and caretakers demanding equal pay. Before their victory, discrimination cases could only be heard by the employment tribunal where they were lodged within six months after leaving the job or changing contract within employment. Equality cases will now be heard in the high court where there is a six-year limit to solve the case.

My reaction:

I find it really shocking that in developed countries like the UK there is still so much discrimination in the workplace. In Spain too, you will often hear about female workers who are paid less, who have to endure harassment or that will never be promoted because of being women.

Another thing that really bothers me is the slowness of justice. I think cases are shelved too often and people or companies get away with offenses because bureaucratic reasons, so it really is good news that these cases can be heard in the high court.

I have to say I was very pleased to read this piece of news because thanks to the bravery of these women who have decided to take a stand, justice is a bit more fair.