School janitors are to walk out once again in protest against unfair pay.

Those working in Glasgow’s primary, nursery and additional support for learning schools have taken industrial action on Monday, October 24, as part of their ongoing dispute with Cordia.

Unison members will target their activities on Labour Councillors during the five day strike at the City Chambers where they will hold daily protests.

Cordia, an arm’s-length Glasgow City Council company, will not pay a Working Context and Demands Payment to school janitors despite union bosses insisting its members are owed this money.

Brian Smith, Unison Glasgow Secretary, said: “Unison is very clear that school janitors meet the criteria to be awarded this payment.

“Cordia’s current position is that school janitors have the same working conditions “job score” as a senior council manager located in the front of the City Chambers who never leaves their office, gets wet, works outside, lifts anything heavy or cleans up sick.”

Previous strikes have seen loud protests at the City Chambers and the janitors have promised more of the same, including some with a Hallowe'en theme as the week goes on.

The janitors began industrial action on January 19 this year by boycotting certain tasks including weeding, litter picking, snow clearing, salt spreading, leaf clearing, heavy lifting, spillage clearing and animal clearing.

Since March 2016, the janitors have taken 24 days of strike action in an escalation of the dispute.

Glasgow City Council and its ALEOs give structured awards payments to workers who undertake duties which are dirty, unpleasant, involve working outside on a regular basis or heavy lifting.

There are five levels of annual WCD payment ranging from slightly more than £500 to more than £1000, reports the Evening Times.

Glasgow City Council said that, despite the strike, it will be “business as usual” in its schools.

A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said: “We were aware that another five day strike is planned and advised our schools of this last week.

“The council will continue to work with Cordia to ensure that our schools and nurseries will be open for business as usual.

“All Breakfast Clubs and After School Clubs operated as normal during the last periods of action.

“However, parents and carers need to be aware that this is subject to change at short notice depending of local arrangements and circumstances.”