A trade union is considering legal action against Aberdeen City Council and its senior managers over “a discriminatory practice”.
Unite say that female city wardens are expected to wear soft hats during their probationary time and then are issued with a permanent hard hat similar to that worn by a female Police Officer.
However male city wardens are immediately issued with a city wardens hat from the start of their employment similar to a male Police Officer.
The issue has now been raised by Unite this week with the City Council and to date they have taken no action to confirm if this discriminatory practice against female city wardens will cease immediately.
Unite will now be considering what legal action our female Union members can take against both the Council and the managers who introduced this discriminatory policy in the first place and any that continue to support it by not stooping it immediately.
Tommy Campbell said: “ it’s shocking and disgraceful that such a discriminatory practice should exist in the 21st Century.
“What’s more concerning is that the practice has not been stopped with immediate effect and proper hard hats have not been issued to those female wardens still wearing the soft hats.
“The City Council and its senior management team at the City Warden Service should hold their heads in shame.
“We call on them again to cease this discriminatory practice and to apologise to their female staff for this unlawful discrimination.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: “All City Wardens are provided a made to measure hat as part of their standard uniform.
“Temporary soft hats are provided to both male and female staff until their new hats arrives. We are aware that our supplier has recently changed the design of the female hat internally which was causing some discomfort.
“Staff have been given the choice to continue to wear the softer style hat while alternatives are considered. We continue to work closely with our Trade Union colleagues to find an agreeable solution.”