NEWS RELEASE Embargo: 12 noon, Tuesday 15th April 2003
STUC Pays Out Peanuts in Campaign to Close Gender Pay Gap
Today the STUC will distribute pay packets to all their delegates containing peanuts to remind them of the key role that unions play in promoting equal pay for women. Each pay packet will also contain a payslip stating that `women workers work all hours for low rates that amount to peanuts'.
On Tuesday afternoon, Agnes Tolmie, Chair of the STUC Women's Committee, will call for all trade unions to make equal pay a top priority.
Agnes will say,
"Despite over 30 years of the Equal Pay Act, the pay gap in Scotland is still unacceptably high at 19%, rising to over 40% for part time workers. It is absolutely essential that we take real action to close the pay gap now."
"That's why the STUC, together with the EOC and the Scottish Executive, as part of the Close the Gap Partnership, have secured almost half a million pounds in EU funding to support trade unions and employers in addressing this issue and empowering women themselves to access their rights under the law.
"Find out how Close the Gap can help you and your organisations stop women workers getting paid peanuts."
Ends
Note to Editors see over
Tel: 0141 337 8100 / Fax: 0141 337 8101 / Email: info@stuc.org.uk
Note to Editors:
(1) STUC Annual Congress takes place in the Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, between 14 and 17 April 2003.
For media enquiries contact Tracey White.
(2) Agnes Tolmie will address Congress at approximately 3.00 pm on Tuesday (15 April) and pay packets will be distributed to delegates at this time.
(3) For additional information on the work of the STUC in tackling low pay for women and promoting equal pay through the Close the Gap Partnership contact Rozanne Foyer on 07958 729181.