Birmingham Pay Justice - Strike Ballot

Frequently Asked Questions

GMB members at thirty-five schools across Birmingham have voted for strike action.

Workers have had enough - they want to see an end to the equal pay crisis in Birmingham.

That means settling claims for equal pay and ending the pay discrimination.

Last update: 30 Apr 2024

Further Links

Your questions, answered...

I want to go on strike, but I am not in one of the 35 schools, can I go on strike? My colleague is not a member of GMB, can they still go on strike? I am catering staff, can I go on strike? I am not working on the 14th May can I still strike? Have there been other strike for equal pay? Do I need to let my head teacher know I am going on strike? When would strike action take place? Will there be a picket line at my school? Will there be a central rally or protest on the day? Will I get paid if I go on strike?
Your questions, answered...

I want to go on strike, but I am not in one of the 35 schools, can I go on strike?

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No, at this stage it is just the 35 schools who have undertaken the legally binding ballot who can go on strike. There will potentially be a second wave of action, if your workplace wants to be included in plans for a second wave let us know!

My colleague is not a member of GMB, can they still go on strike?

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Your colleague will need to join GMB. To have the protection of the union you will have to join. 

I am catering staff, can I go on strike?

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Yes, if you are employed by City Serve then you are employed by BCC and can go on strike as they are your employer. If you are employed by a third party company i.e. Caterlink/Chartwells or any other company then you are not employed by BCC and are not eligible to go on strike. This may also apply to some other colleagues in schools who may be employed by a third party company i.e. Equans or others. Please contact us if you are in any doubt.

I am not working on the 14th May can I still strike?

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If you are not working on this day, you are still more than welcome to come and support your colleagues on picket lines and Victoria Square. You will not be eligible for strike pay as the strike pay is a hardship payment for those who are at a financial loss from strike action.

Have there been other strike for equal pay?

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Yes, across the UK workers are taking a stand and taking industrial action against the kind of pay discrimination we're seeing in Birmingham.

Do I need to let my head teacher know I am going on strike?

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No, GMB have notified Birmingham City Council of the date of the strike and it shouldn’t count as an absence trigger.

When would strike action take place?

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The first strike date is Tuesday 14 May, covering the entire school day.

Will there be a picket line at my school?

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Some schools will have picket lines – if one is happening outside your school it will be communicated to you next week by your equal pay leader and by GMB.

Will there be a central rally or protest on the day?

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There will be a protest at Victoria Square that everyone can turn up to, especially those that don’t have picket lines at their schools. This will be the main event of the day.  We are inviting you to arrive at 11:30am for a start to the protest around 12, just look for the GMB flags.

Will I get paid if I go on strike?

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No, your employer is not obliged to pay you on strike days. However you will receive strike pay from your union to cover this hardship. The registration for this will be at Victoria Square.

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