THE threat of pre-Christmas strike action is now fully at an end following an eleventh hour pay deal.

School cleaners and janitors have been battling employer Amey for the past six months over their terms and conditions.

This week strike action was planned for Tuesday, today and Saturday but an agreement has now been reached.

The victory comes after extensive campaigning by union members.

GMB Scotland Organiser John Slaven said: “This is a hard-fought win secured by our members strength and solidarity, and it shines a light on the vital roles cleaners and janitors play in the safe and secure running of our schools."

READ MORE: Tuesday's janitors and cleaners school strike is cancelled

GMB Scotland members were calling for pay parity between themselves and peers employed by local authorities on Cosla wages.

Glasgow City Council outsourced school cleaning services to Amey under a PFI deal, which meant lower pay and conditions for Glasgow staff.

The offer made by their employer AMEY will see staff paid to comparable levels as their directly employed council colleagues.

John added: "This agreement is also a big step forward in our fight to end two-tier pay in our public services, because everyone should be valued properly and fairly for the work they do.

"And rest assured GMB will keep fighting to make work better for Scotland’s key workers.”

Glasgow Times: John Slaven, GMB assistant organiser Picture: Colin Mearns

Three-quarters of GMB members accepted fresh terms which will see cleaners pay increase by 6.4 per cent and janitorial pay increase by between 4 per cent and 5.5 per cent.

Workers threatened to walk out of 30 secondary schools around the city, which could have lead to school closures.

Strikes were planned for Tuesday of this week but late on Monday afternoon Amey put a fresh deal on the table.

READ MORE: Janitors and cleaners could strike in Glasgow's schools

As told exclusively by the Glasgow Times, janitors and cleaners then called off industrial action while they considered the new pay terms.

Those were finally accepted on Wednesday night and strike action formally averted.

Glasgow City Council has consistently refused to comment on the long running situation.

Amey has been contacted for comment.