NLC Update (13/08/15)



I checked the GMB Scotland web site this morning for news about the GMB members in North Lanarkshire whose equal pay claims against the Council are still unresolved.

The top news story according to GMB Scotland is a reminder to members about voting in the Labour leadership contest, but there's no update on North Lanarkshire or the union's crazy decision to restrict its members claims to only 3 rather than 8 years.  

GMB Web Site  

Latest News

RSS Feed

Remember to register for Labour leadership election

Read more 

Govenrment Threat To Public Sector Workers Subs

Read more 

GMB Calls For An End To Foul Pay In Football

Read more 

Event: Working Class Heroes

Read more 

GMB Members Vote To Accept OCA Offer To End Dispute In UK Offshore Waters

Read more 

Instead the GMB seems to be hiding behind the union's solicitors, Digby Brown, who have some news for their GMB clients which is highlighted below. 

Digby Brown Web Site

North Lanarkshire Council 

First Wave

These cases are substantially resolved.

Second Wave

We have sought to amend the claims in which we have received instructions to do so. This has been opposed by the Council.

It is likely that the Employment Tribunal will fix a hearing to consider whether or not to allow the amendment in due course.

We will update the website when we are advised or a date for any hearing.


Now the decision of North Lanarkshire Council to oppose the GMB amendment to its members' claims is hardly surprising because just like other courts, the Employment Tribunals operate in an adversarial way and so NLC is not going to simply 'roll over' to accommodate any mistakes or poor judgement on the part of the GMB.

Especially if other have done all the work and 'heavy lifting' in these cases, and if the GMB has had the opportunity of amending its claims long before now.

So as things stand GMB members may have a long wait for a tribunal hearing and, of course, there's no guarantee that this will eventually rule in their favour.

Understandably, people are very angry and lots of union members have been in touch to ask how they can hold the GMB and its advisers to account over the way the situation has been handled.

First thing to do is to get organised by bringing GMB members together to discuss their options; one member suggested a protest outside the union's headquarters at Fountain House in Glasgow.

Now that would certainly get the attention of the press and media, but I would put that idea on the back burner for the moment and concentrate on organising a local GMB members' meeting in North Lanarkshire - something that the union itself has failed to do up until now.     

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