Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
The Glasgow women’s strike for equal pay shows what can be won when we stand together
At Unison, we’re working to not only increase pay, but to increase the value and respect for those jobs traditionally done by women, says CHRISTINA McANEA

ALMOST 35 years after the principle of equal pay for work of equal value became law, more than 8,000 workers — mostly low-paid women — had to go the lengths of taking strike action against Glasgow City Council to actually make it a reality.

The workers were predominantly care employees, learning-support workers in schools, nursery staff, cleaners and catering workers. 

The strike in October was the biggest equal pay strike in the UK. This was a dispute that had been running for more than a decade and there had been many attempts — both through legal and industrial action — to resolve it. But that final push, with thousands taking strike action, was the key to securing a settlement. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
STILL GOING STRONG: Phlebotomists pictured earlier this year, in July, as they marked 100 days of action. Photo: Unison South West
Features / 13 November 2025
13 November 2025

ROGER McKENZIE calls for greater support from trade unionists and the general public for female workers involved in industrial disputes

Christina McAnea
Workers' Rights / 10 November 2025
10 November 2025

Roger McKenzie talks to general secretary of Unison CHRISTINA McANEA about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on members, the local government funding emergency and the threat of Reform UK

CHRISTINA McANEA
Features / 6 September 2025
6 September 2025

Reversing outsourcing is the pre-election promise the government must honour, says Unison general secretary CHRISTINA McANEA