A trade union is considering legal action against Aberdeen City Council and its senior managers over what it claims is a “discriminatory practice” against female city wardens and their uniform.
Unite said female wardens are expected to wear soft hats during their probationary period and are then issued with a permanent hard hat similar to that worn by female police officers.
But it argued that male city wardens are immediately issued with a city warden’s hard hat from the start of their employment.
The issue has been raised by Unite this week and it is deciding what legal action its female union members can take against both the Council and the managers.
Unite regional officer 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.”
He added: “They say their staff are their important resource, it’s about time they start acting on what they now say and start treating them with respect.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said all city wardens were provided with a made-to-measure hat as part of their standard uniform.
He added: “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.”
Yet, despite that response from the council, Mr Campbell said the union was still actively considering legal action.
He added the union was meeting with members on Monday to discuss their grievances.