Latest news with #equalpay
BBC News
16 hours ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Warning of more Birmingham strikes as equal pay action 'too slow'
Birmingham could face more strikes over equal pay, a union has warned, amid claims that school workers have been "short-changed".The GMB union said it would begin a consultative vote on strike action to gauge members' interest in the potential 3,000 workers are expected to take part in the initial vote, with the union arguing progress on resolving equal pay issues has been "too slow".Birmingham City Council said progress was in line with plans agreed with the union in November 2024. "The council will work with GMB to understand the root of the issues now presented in a consultative ballot," a spokesperson for the authority said the vote was not a ballot for industrial action, and added: "We sincerely hope that this will not delay our ability to keep to the timelines agreed with GMB and get payments into the hands of the eligible workers."The issue of equal pay was one of the many factors which contributed to Birmingham City Council effectively declaring itself bankrupt in September unions said thousands of women were "paid less than they are worth" and the authority acknowledged it had failed to address all of its equal pay had appeared to be a breakthrough on the issue late last year when it was announced a "framework agreement" had been reached to settle claims with the city council. 'Missed opportunities' Rachel Fagan, GMB regional organiser, said members had been promised a settlement by the autumn, but progress was too slow."It's been nearly two years since the council finally admitted they had an equal pay crisis on their hands," she said."Since then we've seen missed opportunity after missed opportunity to do right by women workers."Meanwhile thousands of women are still being short changed and paid less than they are worth."The city council said it was committed to ensuring all staff were treated fairly and paid action has already been taking its toll on Birmingham this year due to the ongoing bin workers have raised concerns about pay while the council's leadership has repeatedly insisted that a "fair and reasonable" offer has been made. This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Restricting women's freedom is a stain on national image
A truth arises now and again in our current social order — the fact that women still earn only 84% of what men make in similar, full-time jobs. How does it feel to live in a country where equal pay is not automatic? How do we account for a system that turns a blind eye to such an injustice? Moreover, when we think of this simple example of inequality, we should turn our attention to other areas where equivalent abuses occur. Did you know it wasn't until the 1990s that all 50 states criminalized marital rape, though even now, in the guise of protection, definitions and penalties vary wildly from state to state. Ironically, Florida was one of the first states to convict a spouse of rape, recognizing that marriage does not grant immunity for non-consensual sexual acts. Ironic because Florida still severely limits a woman's autonomy regarding her reproductive health. How long will it be before we understand America's history of restricting women's freedom as a smear on our national image? When will we stop the facade of protection and grant women full say over what happens to their bodies? Ben Graffam, Lakeland Voice of the People (June 22, 2025) Polk State's focus: From students to numbers As we celebrate the 4th of July with family and friends, great food, music, fireworks, American flags waving, parades and community events, let's remember the real reason of Independence Day. On July 4, 1776, the second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, officially declaring the 13 American colonies independent from Great Britain. The U.S. Congress passed a law on June 28, 1870, making the 4th of July Independence Day. As we celebrate this holiday with our family and friends, let's not forget about the men and women who serve in our Armed forces, who are protecting our freedom and our country. Let's work together, respect one another and have a great Independence Day. Shandale Terrell, Lakeland Voice of the People (June 15, 2025) Not all speech is protected. Courts will have final say I appreciate your publication of Bruce Anderson's columns. He is a liberal Democrat and I am not, but he discusses issues in an intelligent and thoughtful manner. I agree with some of his conclusions, and when I don't, I understand his reasoning and perspective. I am better for having read his columns. In this world of ignorant, screeching nay-sayers, it's great to read thoughtful commentary. Robert Sammons, Winter Haven Send letters to the editor to voice@ or Voice of the People, P.O. Box 408, Lakeland, FL, 33802. Submit on the website at or go to click on the menu arrow at the top of the website and click Submit a Letter. Letters must be 200 words or less and meet standards of decency and taste. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Restricting women in America | Voice of the People (June 29, 2025)
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
1,600 equal pay claims could risk council issuing bankruptcy notice if they succeed
About 1,600 equal pay claims have been lodged against Brighton and Hove City Council, citing potential gender pay inequality. The GMB union announced that it was lodging an equal pay claim in June last year but took some months to provide details. Since receiving the claims, the council has taken legal advice on potential gender pay inequality. And the council's external auditor Grant Thornton flagged up the legal claims as a financial risk in its latest report to the council's audit, standards and general purposes committee. The auditor's findings were included in a report to the committee at Hove Town Hall on Tuesday (June 24). Read more Plans for 66ft phone mast in city's 'green gateway' rejected Comedian says 'the system isn't working' after losing school placement appeal A23 set to close as more trees felled due to disease It said: 'The council has a job evaluation scheme against which all jobs are evaluated and keeps under review its pay and allowances structure. 'The council considers that the claims are defensible and has commissioned external legal advice to undertake detailed analysis and advise the council on potential defences or any potential risks they may pose. 'This process is likely to take at least two years.' The council's gender pay report last year found that women employed by the council earned more than men and made up more of the workforce. The mean hourly pay for men was £18.46 while women were paid £19.78 – a pay gap of minus 7.2 per cent. The median hourly rate was narrower, with men earning £17.12 an hour and women £17.63 – a minus three per cent difference. Even though pay had increased for all, the negative gender pay gap remained unchanged from the previous year. Labour councillor Josh Guilmant asked how often the council reviewed the situation and if officers were waiting to hear from lawyers about the risk levels. Interim chief finance and property officer John Hooton said the court process had yet to start. When it did, he said, it would help the council to understand the full nature and number of claims and whether they were valid. He said: 'This will become clearer as those claims go through the process of court over the next couple of years. 'We are likely to see a court case in the autumn which will start to clarify this but, at this stage, we do not have sufficient information to be clear about the potential liabilities.' Should the claims succeed, they could put the council at risk of having to issue a 'section 114 notice', effectively a bankruptcy notice, if the council proved unable to meet its financial liabilities. The council currently held free reserves of £8.2 million – down from the minimum recommended level of about £9 million and lower than most similar councils. The Labour deputy leader of the council Jacob Taylor said that, as a percentage of the budget, Brighton and Hove had one of the lowest levels of reserves – or working balances. The council had drawn on its reserves to fund a budget shortfall before Labour won the last local elections, Cllr Taylor said, but this would be repaid early from last year's underspend.
Japan Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Japan Times
WNBA players push for better pay as league soars to new heights
As the WNBA celebrates record attendance, rising TV ratings and the addition of the Golden State Valkyries, its players are demanding a larger share of the league's growing revenue, citing disparities in pay and broadcast income compared to their NBA counterparts. The league's recent $2.2 billion media rights deal, spanning 11 years, pales in comparison to the NBA's $76 billion package, which prompted the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) to opt out of its collective bargaining agreement (CBA) two years ahead of schedule. "Men's sports have a revenue-based salary system — we deserve the same," the WNBPA said via social media on Monday. "We're fighting for a fair share of the revenue we generate. Fair is fair." Under the current framework, WNBA players receive between 20 to 25% of basketball-related income, far below the NBA's approximate 50%. Salaries range from $66,000 to $250,000 annually, dwarfed by the NBA's average player earnings of $10 million. "We have women out here who know the business," Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBPA, told reporters at a news conference after her Seattle Storm beat the New York Liberty 89-79 on Sunday. "We understand where our league has been and where it's going. We want to represent ourselves and our value in the same way that we do on the court." The disconnect between broadcast revenue and player compensation lies at the heart of the dispute, according to Jane McManus, a New York University professor and women's sports writer. As negotiations become a zero-sum game, the NBA's 42% ownership stake — once a lifeline — now faces scrutiny as potentially constraining the women's game from realizing its full economic potential. "Negotiations of media rights are incredibly important," McManus said. "That's why I think the WNBA players pulled out of the CBA early, because they felt they had not been maximizing revenue. "Without the NBA's investment there wouldn't be a league today, but theoretically, the WNBA is strong enough now to negotiate independently," she added. The WNBA and the WNBPA did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Some players have been exploring alternative pathways to increased pay. Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier launched Unrivaled, an offseason 3-on-3 league offering salaries averaging $222,000 — exceeding what many WNBA players earn. Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese has hinted at more dramatic measures. "I'm hearing that if the league doesn't give us what we want, we're sitting out," she said on her podcast in March. With the current agreement expiring after the 2025 season, the spectre of a 2026 lockout looms if neither side compromises — potentially echoing the NBA's bruising five-month standoff in 2011. A new CBA represents more than just discussions about revenue, according to women's sport researcher Risa Isard. "Talks have been held about a more comprehensive pension package, solidifying the charter flight agreements and increasing support for the ones with children," Isard said. "I hope that this CBA will lay the foundation for the next chapter." Despite the tensions, Ogwumike expressed cautious optimism about the negotiations. "Everybody wants to go to the same place. Everyone just has a different idea of how we get there," she said. "But it definitely starts with valuing the players in a way that makes sense for what we're doing out here, and also makes sense for the people that follow us and the fans supporting us." With the league's recent growth, the Storm forward underscored the need for compensation to reflect the WNBA's upward trajectory. "We've seen a lot of growth recently, so we have to see that reflected in how we're compensated," she said.
Forbes
25-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Professional Pickleball's Equal Pay Power Move Should Be The Standard
Catherine Parenteau extends for a shot at the Atlanta Open. Two-time WNBA champion Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces leads the League in earnings, making $252,450 annually under a two-year, $504,900 contract extension. Professional female athletes have made significant strides toward achieving equal pay, but the gap remains substantial. In an unexpected twist, it's not basketball or soccer that's pushing the envelope on compensation. It's pickleball, a fast-rising sport where women are earning more than ever before. The average annual salary for contracted professional female pickleball players now sits at $260,000 a year. In an industry where female athletes often fight just to be paid at all, Major League Pickleball is rewriting the economics of women's sports. Additionally, the League also hosts coed double competitions. A Sport Built On Equity From Day One Unlike legacy sports leagues with outdated pay structures and male-dominated hierarchies, pro pickleball was built in the digital era. This gave its founders a clean slate and a business incentive to promote parity. The PPA and MLP aren't bound by legacy media deals or decades of ingrained bias. They're agile, investor-backed and eager to grow a coed audience. As a result, women's matches receive nearly equal broadcast time and promotional attention. Sponsorships aren't filtered through a 'men-first' lens. As Commissioner of MLP, Samin Odhwani brings a strategy-first lens shaped by years at the NBA and in athlete investment. But what sets his leadership apart is a radical idea in pro sports: gender equity doesn't need to be gradual. It can be immediate. 'You can just pay them equally,' he states. 'You don't have to ask questions about it.' MESA, ARIZONA - MAY 31: Former professional tennis and current professional pickleball player Jack ... More Sock of the Phoenix Flames hits a forehand volley shot during the mixed doubles match against the Dallas Flash Pickleball at the Arizona Athletic Grounds on May 31, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by) Why This Matters Beyond The Court Women's sports have long been positioned as a financial risk. Pickleball proves otherwise. It didn't have to overhaul a century of inequity or navigate entrenched bureaucracies. It built something new during the pandemic, and it did so with women on equal footing from the start. In doing so, professional pickleball has quietly become a model of pay equity in sports, not with press releases or public pledges, but with actual paychecks. And in a sports economy overdue for disruption, that's a game-changer. Odhwani argues that by paying women enough to go full-time, they're able to invest in training, improve performance and deliver a better product for fans. It's a self-reinforcing loop that benefits everyone. 'If the athlete can invest in themselves,' the commissioner explains, 'they become better players, and then we receive the benefit.' This could set a precedent for other emerging leagues. If pickleball can prioritize pay equity and still grow its brand, what's stopping the top four leagues from doing the same? The uncomfortable answer: tradition. Veolia North Carolina Open Championship match Catherine Pareneteau/Anna Leigh Waters versus Tina ... More Pisnik/Kate Fahey. The Talent Magnet Effect Competition is attracting a new wave of elite athletes who might have once targeted tennis. Former NCAA stars and Olympic hopefuls are now pivoting toward pickleball, drawn not just by dollars but by the promise of a platform that sees them as equal players. Catherine Parenteau, currently ranked fourth in women's singles and a top-five contender across doubles and mixed doubles, didn't set out to become a professional pickleball player. A shoulder injury derailed her post-college tennis plans until her coach and mentor, Simone Jardim, introduced her to the fast-paced world of pickleball. What began as a casual league match quickly turned into a full-fledged career. Since that first game nearly a decade ago, Parenteau has watched—and helped—pickleball evolve into a legitimate professional sport. With MLP's coed format and equal team slots for men and women, she sees a structural commitment to parity that most sports still lack. 'It's pretty amazing for female athletes,' she comments. 'They get the same number [of spots] as males that can play on a team. The number of professional athletes getting involved in our sport is huge. It helps promote your sport.' Parenteau's team, the L.A. Mad Drops, includes celebrity investors like Drew Brees and WNBA star Haley Jones. These types of investors help drive visibility and legitimacy. Yet it's not just star power moving the needle; it's the culture of inclusion that sets the sport apart. That inclusion extends beyond the court. As a veteran athlete and role model, Parenteau views her leadership style as grounded in experience and mentorship. She uses her platform to mentor younger players, promote the sport in new communities and participate in charitable clinics. Her rise also coincided with pickleball's surge during the pandemic—a moment when social distancing made it one of the few sports that felt accessible and safe. The simplicity, low cost and intergenerational appeal of the game helped it explode in popularity. 'Start competing as early as you can,' she explains. 'Enter lower-level tournaments and eventually work your way up. Don't put yourself higher than your level so that you don't get too upset with your result. Gradually go from there.' MLP leans into its strengths: explosive participation, low barriers to entry and a culture that treats women as full participants from day one. It's a different kind of playbook and one that corporate America might do well to study. 'You don't have to do a phased rollout,' Odhwani concludes about building growing Major League Pickleball. 'You can just hit 'go' and accept that this is the right thing to do.'
