GMB Union Urges Glasgow City Council to Sell Salvador Dali Painting to Pay Equal Pay Dispute

Strategic Insights -

The GMB union has entered a dispute with Glasgow City Council, with the union's general secretary, Gary Smith, suggesting that the council sell a famous Salvador Dali painting to help offset the estimated £500 million debt related to an equal pay dispute. The issue stems from a 2017 Court of Session decision that found the council's pay grade scheme to be unfit for purpose. The council has since agreed to a deal with predominantly female workers to correct the situation, but the settlement process has stalled. The union has accused the council of failing to provide a clear offer to claimant groups and a definitive timescale for replacing the discriminatory pay and grading system. As a result, 14,000 workers are balloting for strike action.

Key Takeaways:

  • The GMB union is urging Glasgow City Council to sell a Salvador Dali painting, "Christ of Saint John of the Cross," to help pay off the estimated £500 million debt related to an equal pay dispute.
  • The equal pay dispute originated from a 2017 Court of Session decision that found the council's pay grade scheme to be unfit for purpose.
  • The council has agreed to a deal with predominantly female workers to correct the situation, but the settlement process has stalled.
  • Gary Smith, GMB general secretary, has accused the council of failing to provide a clear offer to claimant groups and a definitive timescale for replacing the discriminatory pay and grading system.
  • 14,000 workers are balloting for strike action due to the stalled settlement process.

Statistics:

  • Estimated £500 million debt related to the equal pay dispute.
  • 2017: Court of Session decision found the council's pay grade scheme to be unfit for purpose.
  • 2019: Deal agreed between the council and predominantly female workers to correct the situation.
  • Value of Salavador Dali painting "Christ of Saint John of the Cross" (initially bought in 1952 for £8200, now worth tens of millions of pounds).
  • 14,000 workers balloting for strike action.

Sources:

  • The Daily Record:
  • Court of Session decision (date not specified)
  • GMB union
  • Glasgow City Council