School support staff, members of the GMB union, struck in 35 schools across Birmingham on 23 September over a long-running equal pay dispute. It is part of the equal pay claims that Birmingham council says led to them declaring ‘bankruptcy’. The council refuses to even speak to the union about the claim.
The workers mounted picket lines and attended an open air rally despite heavy rain. None of the workers I spoke to believe that the money can’t be found to give them equal pay with male workers of an equivalent grade.
The Socialist Party leaflet was enthusiastically taken. The fact that the Labour-controlled council refuses to ask a Labour government for more money for local services hadn’t gone unnoticed. The idea of needing a new workers’ party was well-received.
The newly elected Labour MP for Birmingham Northfield, Laurence Turner, who is a former GMB full-time official, failed to send a message of support.
A further 15 schools are being balloted to increase the pressure on the council.