Around 8000 council staff in Glasgow will walk out on a two-day strike as a long-running row over equal pay claims rumbles on.

All nurseries, primary schools and schools for additional support needs pupils are expected to close, in what the GMB and Unite unions claim is the largest strike of its kind since the Equal Pay Act was passed in 1970.

Glasgow City Council said it expects 50,000 schoolchildren to be affected along with 6000 people receiving home care when the strike begins on Tuesday.

The action comes as thousands of female workers proceed with equal pay claims against the council which the GMB union estimates could be worth £1bn, following a Court of Session ruling last year.

When the SNP were voted into power in the city at the last council elections, ending decades of Labour rule, they vowed to negotiate a settlement for the women and committed to making an offer this December.

However, negotiations have broken down amid claims from the unions that no progress has been made.

On Wednesday, the GMB union sent a van around the city featuring a poster calling for the striking workers to be supported.

Under the message Women Make Glasgow, a reference to the city council's marketing slogan People Make Glasgow, four women affected by the pay issue are pictured with the words "We want equal pay".

The advert continues: "Over 10 years and still waiting for justice. Glasgow City Council - pay us what we deserve."

Shona Thomson, home carer and GMB branch secretary is one of the women pictured on the advert.

She said those affected by the equal pay claim approached the unions for guidance on how to strike.

The 58-year-old said: "We're just ready to stand up and fight and say how unfairly we've been treated.

"We've never been valued for what we've done in our jobs."

She said the women are valued less than their male comparators.

"Once it's taken away maybe they will understand a wee bit more exactly what we do," she added.

"We keep this city going every morning."

Rhea Wolfson, GMB Scotland regional organiser, said the union had set out demands but could not make progress unless the council is willing to negotiate.

She said she wants the council to meet with union organisers, "listen to us and take us and the women seriously".

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: "The council is committed to resolving equal pay. We want all parties back around the negotiating table in good faith; ready to deliver for our workforce and their members.

"In the meantime, we are planning ahead to try and minimise the disruption to services during the industrial action - and focusing our resources on the most critical services and vulnerable users."