GMB Scotland slams Glasgow's council for opening schools during strikes

As first told by the Glasgow Times, walk outs next week by janitorial and cleaning staff fighting a pay dispute will cause primary and ASL schools to close.

Douglas Hutchison, director of education in the city, said it was hoped high schools will stay open but a decision is still to be taken.

Janitorial and cleaning staff in secondaries are contracted out to Amey, which will draft in staff from other sectors to cover a strike by its school employees.

READ MORE: Schools could be hit twice by strikes as Amey staff challenge pay

But GMB Scotland said staff and pupils would be put at risk if secondaries open during widespread industrial action from September 6 to 8.

The council said parents would be informed as soon as possible if a decision is made to close secondary schools.

It is believed security staff will be diverted to work in schools during the three days of strikes.

GMB Organiser John Slaven said: "It is inconceivable that Glasgow City Council will attempt to open these schools without janitorial, cleaning or maintenance services. 

"The risks are enormous.

"Are these replacement staff PVG registered or are they fire trained?

"It is beyond belief that we could see security guards opening schools in the face of picket line with the chance of conflict in sight of pupils and staff.

"The only safe and responsible action is to close these schools."

All school janitorial, cleaning and maintenance personnel who are GMB Scotland members will strike next week.

Some 95% of GMB members employed by Amey in janitorial and cleaning services voted in favour of strike action in a dispute over pay.

While they are paid by Amey, and the broader current dispute is with council umbrella body Cosla, the union has called for a comparable pay deal as offered to other Cosla employees.  

At present cleaners are paid £9.90 a hour and janitors £10.45 per hour and the union has asked for an uplift to this.

READ MORE: Glasgow's bin strikes have made invisible work visible

Amey has been contacted for comment but the company previously said: "Since 2020, we have increased sick pay, holidays, and death in service benefits for frontline workers, as well as introducing a personal day.

"Our Glasgow cleaners’ salaries have been increased by 20% over the last two years, and in 2021 they received the 2022 Real Living Wage hourly rate  a year early – demonstrating our commitment to fair pay.

"Since the most recent set of negotiations began with the GMB we have offered many improvements to terms and conditions notably, harmonising overtime for cleaners, and removing Saturday working for janitors."

A council spokesperson said: “This is a dispute between GMB and Amey which has a knock-on impact on secondary schools in Glasgow.

"We informed families last week about primary school and nursery closures and our intention to keep secondary schools open. 

“This is on the back of reassurance from our secondary school estate contractor Amey of their contingency plans.

“Families will be notified as soon as possible if this changes.”