A banner emblazoned with a single powerful word—Justice—stood proudly alongside the smiling, defiant face of Michelle McCrossen. With her auburn hair and lion-hearted courage, Michelle was a fierce union activist and a dedicated official for the GMB union, championing equal pay for women in Birmingham.
Representing thousands of low-paid women, Michelle spent her final months relentlessly pressuring Birmingham City Council to reach an equal pay settlement. Tragically, she passed away from cancer before seeing the victory she fought so hard to achieve.
A year after her death, when the council finally committed to compensating affected workers, her pivotal role was ensured a lasting place in their success. In November 2024, a banner bearing Michelle’s image took pride of place at Birmingham’s Council House steps, marking the moment when the council agreed in principle to address discriminatory pay practices.
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“She’s a legend. We wouldn’t be here without her,” said one banner-holder.
That spirit of gratitude and recognition endures as individual settlement offers are now being sent to more than 6,000 claimants—primarily women in modest, female-dominated roles such as classroom assistants, cleaners, cooks, carers, and office support staff. Men in those roles will also receive payments.
This latest chapter in Birmingham’s ongoing equal pay saga traces back to 2017, when the city council paid over £1.1 billion to settle previous claims. Yet, despite that historic payout, further claims surfaced over time, revealing persistent pay disparities in female-dominated sectors.
Michelle pinpointed the scale of the problem on November 11, 2021, when she alerted council officers and members about the urgent need to address flawed job evaluations and unequal pay. Her campaign mobilized strikes across schools and triggered tribunal cases, but it wasn’t until June 2023 that the council publicly acknowledged the full extent of their liability—up to £760 million for discriminatory pay practices.
Michelle viewed the council’s public expression of shock with irony, knowing she had been warning them for two years. Still, a settlement remained elusive as the council continued to contest claims. In a media statement, Michelle urged swift action to settle the dispute, asserting that years of stalling had deprived thousands of women of their rightful earnings.
Throughout this fight, Michelle faced a personal battle against cancer. Diagnosed earlier in 2023, she endured grueling chemotherapy and radiotherapy even as she pressed on with union negotiations. In messages shared for the first time with the permission of her husband Dave, Michelle candidly expressed frustrations about the council’s delays and the fear that the fight for justice might collapse after her passing.
Despite her illness, Michelle kept working tirelessly on job evaluation reforms aimed at eliminating future pay discrimination. She bristled at executives’ suggestions to outsource the process, fearing it would undermine union influence and delay progress.
In her last message on October 4, Michelle lamented the pace of change and the council’s failure to act sooner. She described her strength and determination, which she believed delayed symptoms despite aggressive cancer spreading through her body. Michelle’s unwavering commitment to justice reflected her core belief that, unlike cancer, discrimination is a choice—one the council repeatedly made.
Michelle passed away peacefully on October 26, 2023. Her husband paid a heartfelt tribute, calling her the strongest woman he had ever known and celebrating her impact on countless lives through her union work.
Tributes poured in from across the union movement, highlighting Michelle’s fighting spirit, kindness, and generosity. The GMB has honored her legacy with the annual Michelle McCrossen Equality Award, celebrating members who embody her courage and dedication to justice.
Michael Newman, a solicitor closely involved in the claim settlements, praised Michelle’s infectious energy and knowledge, recalling how her resolve never wavered, even during her illness.
GMB General Secretary Gary Smith reflected, “Michelle was our sister and comrade. She never blinked faced with discrimination or opposition. Her legacy of justice for working women in Birmingham inspires us every day.”
Michelle McCrossen’s brave fight for equal pay and equality will never be forgotten. Her steadfast dedication changed lives and set the standard for justice in Britain’s second city.
Rest in peace, Michelle.