More schools in Birmingham vote on strike action
GMB members at over half of council schools in Birmingham could walk out over equal pay rows.
Last updated 22nd May 2024
Strike action in Birmingham City Council schools could escalate as GMB members at 35 additional schools prepare to vote on strike action.
It follows action from 35 other schools last week (14 May) in which as many as 1,500 workers walked out.
It now brings the total number of Birmingham schools facing equal pay strike distribution in the city to 70.
Workers including teaching assistants, catering staff, and grounds workers will take part in the ballot.
Alice Reynolds, GMB Organiser, said: “This is a decisive escalation from GMB members in Birmingham.
“Now 70 Birmingham Schools, over half of the city’s schools, face a summer of strike uncertainty thanks to the delays and broken promises of Birmingham City Council.
“It’s time for urgent action from council bosses to set out a clear timetable for settling these claims and ending the equal pay crisis.”
Birmingham City Council told us: “The council has been engaging with GMB on matters of equal pay since November 2021, and following the further agreement made with the Trades Unions in October 2023, has begun work on a new approach to job evaluation to settle Birmingham’s equal pay issues once and for all.
"The council would encourage GMB to explore solutions working together, as it remains committed to resolving historic equal pay issues, and settling all legitimate claims from our employees.”