Summit over dinner ladies' pay

The dinner ladies are claiming back pay under equal rights legislation

Union bosses representing school dinner ladies who are claiming millions of pounds in back pay are to meet council officials.

The 400 women from Walsall Council's catering department are due to take their case to an industrial tribunal unless they can reach agreement with the authority.

They say they are victims of sex discrimination because they earn less than male colleagues and are unable to take part in a bonus scheme which could add 80% to their pay.

Union leaders are meeting with the council on Thursday.

The workers are submitting individual claims under the Equal Pay Act, which are due to be heard at a Birmingham tribunal in March.

20,000 meals

Union bosses claim that, if successful, the legal action could cost the council £40m.

Peter Clewes, regional organiser for the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU), said some of the claims date back six years.

"We believe these women have been discriminated against by being paid less money despite doing the same job as their male colleagues.

"We feel we have a strong case and are confident we will be successful."

A spokeswoman for Walsall Council said: "Negotiations are continuing and a meeting is being arranged for 25 September with the unions.

"The trade unions are currently considering proposals by management here at the council and they have been received positively."

A total of 600 people, mainly women, are employed in the catering department at Walsall Council, which serves up to 20,000 school dinners and 750 meals-on-wheels per day.