SCHOOLS in Glasgow will close next week as equal pay strike action is set to go ahead.

Parents have now been warned that nursery, primary and ASL schools will shut on Tuesday and Wednesday and there will be no online learning.
Secondary schools will remain open and non-striking staff will be in all schools. 

Cleaning staff who are member of GMB Scotland and Unison unions are walking out over a long-running dispute on equal pay in the city.

This means schools will not be cleaned for two days and so must shut for health and safety reasons.

Catering facilities will also be affected.

A letter from executive director of education Douglas Hutchison has been sent out to parents.

It reads: "It is with regret that I have to advise you that strike action has been notified for Tuesday 29 and Wednesday, March 30 2022.

"The strike will affect many of our Education Services staff who are Unison and GMB Members covered by the 2019 Equal Pay Settlement, and will include early years staff, support for learning workers, escorts and administration staff. 

"Catering and cleaning services will also be impacted. 

"Our aim, as always, is to secure a safe environment for our staff and young people and maintain continuity of learning for our families where possible but the extent of action on this occasion will mean that we have been left with no option but to close all the city’s Primary Schools, Early Learning and Childcare establishments, and ASL schools."

Secondary schools will face a number of restrictions such as breakfast clubs and mid-morning snack provision will be off. 

School meals will take the form of packed lunch and snacks and pupils who don't get free school meals are asked to bring a packed lunch as should pupils with special dietary needs. 

There will be no after school care provision as all school lets will be cancelled.

Escort provision for pupils entitled to transport cannot be guaranteed and parents/carers are asked to make alternative arrangements. 

Mr Hutchison added: "I am sorry that you will have to make short notice, alternative arrangements for their child because of this announcement, and there will be no online learning. 

"I regret that we have been left with no option but to limit our provision over the two days of the planned industrial action next week."