SUFFRAGE marches, the 1968 Dagenham women’s strike, even the 1915 Rent Strikes – all were invoked by women on yesterday’s equal pay march.
Some wore purple “votes for women” sashes, while home carer Carol Donnelly, pictured below, and her granddaughter Millie McCallum dressed in suffragette-style outfits.
READ MORE: Women's march for equal pay in Glasgow breaks UK record
Carol said her family had lost out over the historic pay row, with her lower income forcing her to sacrifice time at home and work more hours.
Despite the political debate surrounding the stoppage, all the women who spoke to The National insisted the move was about equality.
Joan Thomson, who has been with the council for 16 years, said: “We have not taken this lightly. We’ve waited 12 years – if this was about men, they wouldn’t have waited 12 minutes.”
Shahuna Shafiq, who works at Tinto Primary, expressed anger at Glasgow City Council, saying: “They keep saying we are ‘this close’. If we were, this strike wouldn’t be here.
“I feel sorry for the parents and the kids who aren’t at school, but we need to win this. It’s not just for us, it’s for all the women who are employed.”
Grandmother Carolyn McKinley, pictured above, pushed sleeping grandson William to George Square in his pram and said home carers like her must be valued. Although she is not optimistic that the strike will force a resolution, she said: “I can’t just walk away because I care about my clients. I’m not just a carer, I’m their confidante, I’m their friend, I’m their cook and cleaner.”
Pearl Salisbury, who has 18 years’ service in the same role, agreed. Her sister Sarah Salisbury and daughter Kirsty McVey are also home carers, and attended with Kirsty’s daughter Brooklyne Turner.
Pearl said: “They don’t value us. We’ve had 20-odd meetings and it hasn’t taken us any further. Brooklyne’s teachers are all here to support us.
“We’re here to show how important ordinary people like us are to the city. We are valuable members of Glasgow doing brilliant jobs.
“It’s not about politics – I don’t care who runs the council, I’m here to fight for my rights.”
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