A TRADE union representing striking janitors have welcomed the plans to resolve their dispute.

Susan Aitken, new leader of Glasgow City Council, announced earlier this week that her top priority would be to resolve the janitorial dispute.

Dozens of jannies from primary schools across Glasgow have staged walkouts over the last year in a row over pay and conditions.

They argue they do not receive the same level of pay for unpleasant duties and outdoor work as some of their other council colleagues.

The tasks they are calling for extra pay for include cleaning up human waste, drug paraphernalia and outdoor work.

Trade unions accused the previous council administration, Labour, of refusing to negotiate or discuss their concerns.

Now representatives have welcomed the new stance.

Sam McCartney, UNISON Glasgow branch officer, said, said: “We welcome the comments of the new leader and we tend to have a sensible, negotiating approach to this.

"Unfortunately with the previous administration this was not possible. We welcome any approach that will resolve this issue so these janitors get what they are entitled to.

“They are entitled to respect. This is about getting them back to work, getting these issues resolved and we look forward to a sensible approach being taken to fix this.”

Speaking to the Evening Times on Monday, council leader Susan Aitken, of the SNP, vowed to keep her promise to the janitors that was made before the local elections last week.

She explained: “It is a promise I made to [the janitors], so I want to fulfill it as soon as I can.

“I want to come to an agreement with them that they are happy with, that everybody is happy with, so we can all move forward.

“I’ve said to the trade unions and to the jannies themselves that is what I would do and I’m sticking to that.”

She hopes to set up a discussion in the near future with union representatives to start the negotiations.

However, trade union UNISON confirmed until a solution s reached, janitors who are union members will continue their current action.

Although no strikes are on the agenda in the enar future, the extra duties, such as cleaning up sick and fire safety checks, will not be performed by union members.

A Unison spokesman said: "The restrictions,the tasks which are disputed are still under restriction and the members are not picking up those tasks.

“That will continue until a resolve is in place. We haven’t ruled out any approach. Negotiation is the best option but we will not rule out any approach.”