BIRMINGHAM could be set for more equal pay strikes, with hundreds of millions of pounds of stolen wages left unpaid.

Members of GMB union, Birmingham Council’s largest trade union, have begun a consultative vote on whether to take industrial action.

Around 3,000 workers across Birmingham schools are expected to take part in the initial ballot.

Birmingham Council admitted it had an equal pay liability in June 2023, the union said — and agreed a formula with unions on December 24, which valued the claims at least £250 million.

GMB regional organiser Rachel Fagan said: “It’s been nearly two years since the council finally admitted they had an equal pay crisis on their hands.

“Since then, we’ve seen missed opportunity after missed opportunity to do right by women workers.

“Meanwhile, thousands of women are still being shortchanged and paid less than they are worth.

“They are voting on strike action to send a message that enough is enough; they are worth more and demand settlement of Birmingham’s equal pay claims.”

A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said the council recognised that it had failed to address “all its equal pay risks” and has “committed to ending that.”

“The council continues to work at pace and progressively with GMB to begin settling claims by the end of this year,” they said, adding that aims to “understand the root of the issues now presented in a consultative ballot.”