Janitors at Glasgow's schools agree pay rise to end long-running dispute

A long-running pay dispute between Glasgow's primary school janitors and the council has come to an end.

Unison says it's secured a 6% pay rise for janitors at primary, nursery and additional support for learning schools after 67 days of industrial action.

The union said the deal under the council's new SNP minority administration would give members an extra £1,184 every year.

Unison, which strongly opposed plans put forward by Glasgow City Council company Cordia to reorganise the service under a cluster model, said the agreement would also maintain the ratio of one janitor for every school.

The dispute, which lasted 20 months, included 67 days of strikes by staff, who had also staged a boycott of heavy lifting, outside and dirty duties.

In a statement, the union said: "The dispute shows that workers can win if they are determined and organised, supported by their local branch and the wider trade union, escalate strike action when necessary, involve the wider community and build pressure on elected politicians at key points.

"We will draw on the lessons of the dispute for future campaigns, particularly within Cordia where there remain numerous unfair pay arrangements affecting many members. Well done the Glasgow school janitors.'