Despite the UK celebrating Equal Pay Day on 22nd November, GMB Union says women continue to experience wage discrimination half-a-century after the Equal Pay Act came into effect.
Equal Pay Day is a symbolic day dedicated to raising awareness of the gender pay gap across the world.
Symbolism is just that, however, as women in the UK today continue to experience the reality of being underpaid relative to men for doing the same work - that, despite safeguards which were introduced by the Equal Pay Act when it took effect in December 1975.
Evidence that women have stopped earning compared to men can be found in GMB Union members launching more than 25 equal pay claims at employers in recent years.
GMB President Barbara Plant goes further when she says, "It’s not a difficult idea is it – that all workers should be paid the same wages for doing the same job, or for doing different work but of equal value.
Although Parliament and laws are important, we know the only way for real change in the workplace is to use our collective strength.
“We know that women’s work has always been undervalued and underpaid, and history has shown us how hard it is to achieve equal pay.
"Fifty years ago, the Equal Pay Act was brought in, by the then Labour Government, and 50 years later, we still haven’t achieved it.
“Which is why I so very proud of all GMB women, up and down the country, who are fighting for equal pay."
