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Hyndland Primary pupils to sing protest song in support of striking school jannies

Janitors are opposed to plans that will see them covering a cluster of schools instead of being dedicated to one school.

Schoolchildren in the West End are to lend their voices in support of their beloved jannies.

Hyndland Parent Council has organised a protest sing-song involving pupils who face losing their full-time dedicated janitor.

The pupils will sing a version of the children's classic The Jeely Piece Song.

Parents are concerned at plans to do away with the traditional one-janitor, one-school model.

Council-linked services arm Cordia wants to introduce a model where a pool of janitors move around a 'cluster' of local schools.

It's not clear how the numbers work, but figures have been quoted of four or five janitors covering around nine schools in any one area.

It will see an end to each school in Glasgow having its own dedicated janitor.

Janitors have refused a deal that would see them accept the terms.

 Concerns: Parents fear the loss of dedicated jannies will affect health and safety in schools.
Concerns: Parents fear the loss of dedicated jannies will affect health and safety in schools.

They have been locked in industrial action and more strikes are believed to be planned.

Parents, along with union Unison, who represent many of the city's jannies, say schools and pupils will suffer.

The fear is key cleaning duties and security chores will go undone as fewer bodies tackle roles across several schools.

Cordia, on the other hand, says it will a more efficient way of working - and safety will not be compromised.

John Lewis, chair of Hyndland Parent Council, said: "We're extremely disappointed that Cordia have decided to remove one-Janny, one school and move to clusters of jannies shared between schools.

"This will increase both the health and safety and child and staff security concerns among the school's parents.

"Despite parents often being referred to by Cordia and Glasgow City as 'partners', the complete lack of engagement and consultation from Cordia and Glasgow City Council is as disappointing as it is dismissive and disenfranchising.

"We would urge all parents in Glasgow schools, and indeed all Council Tax payers, to make their objections known to Cordia and Glasgow City Council."

Two petitions are currently gathering names of those opposed to Cordia's plans.

A spokesman for Cordia said: “The Cordia janitorial reform will create a modern facilities management service that places Cordia staff at the heart of local communities.

"When implemented, janitorial staff will see an increase in salary and other benefits and there will be promotion opportunities.”

The school plans to sing the protest song on the last day of term.

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