Female school staff demand for “money they deserve” at equal pay protest in Birmingham
Some schools had to close over protests that affected 35 schools in the city
Flags, banners and blaring horns gathered in Victoria Square, Birmingham for school staff to have their voices heard.
Protestors positioned themselves inches away from the entrance to the City Council House hoping they’d prompt the council to respond.
The weather did not put them off, as around 1,500 members of staff downed their tools to get involved in protests across the city.
Teaching assistant, Pamela Whatley, has had to hold down two jobs in order to make ends meet.
“I have got no choice as a single parent. It is frustrating,” said Pamela.
Claire Shuttleworth is also a teaching assistant. The school she works at was forced to close due to the number of female staff on strike.
“It is not an easy decision to make to come out on strike when you know it is going to affect those children that we nurture every day.
“Enough is enough. We are exhausted with it,” said Claire.
Those on strike say Birmingham City Council has not paid them “the money that they deserve”.
Birmingham City Council said: "The council has been engaging with GMB and UNISON for many years on equal pay. A new approach to job evaluation to settle Birmingham’s equal pay issues once and for all was agreed with the Trades Unions in October 2023.
"The council is keen to work together with our recognised unions to explore solutions, as it remains committed to resolving historic equal pay issues and settling all legitimate claims from our employees."
Until an agreement is reached that the striking staff are happy with, they say they will continue to protest.