The region’s schools are set to be hit by strike action early in the new term.
And refuse collections could be targeted next month.
Council workers in the Unite union have voted to reject a “derisory” two per cent pay deal offered by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).
Further talks are expected tomorrow but, if no improvement is forthcoming, it’s expected waste collection staff will strike in mid-August with action impacting on schools beginning in September.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The message for both the Scottish Government and COSLA is crystal clear: thousands upon thousands of members won’t tolerate real terms pay cuts any more and they have had enough.
“Our members are being forced to take this action due to a derisory pay offer and we will support them in this fight for better jobs, pay and conditions in local government.”
Unite members in 26 council areas across Scotland voted in favour of industrial action.
Members of the GMB and Unison unions also voted to reject the offer from COSLA.
However, despite voting for industrial action Dumfries and Galloway members of Unison cannot take part in a strike as they did not reach the 50 per cent turnout rate required by the Trade Union Act, with the GMB facing a similar problem.
Regional organiser Susan Burns said: “Unison members in Dumfries and Galloway voted overwhelmingly to reject the measly two per cent pay offer and for strike. However, we did not meet the Tories anti-trade union threshold which demands a 50 per cent ballot turnout.
“But there is still action we can take as part of the national campaign to support our colleagues across Scotland who will be striking on our behalf.”
The three unions have asked for a £3,000 increase and a £12 an hour rate as a minimum for all council workers.
A COSLA spokeswoman said: “COSLA leaders are clear that they value hugely the local government workforce, which is why discussions with our trade union colleagues continue in order to reach an agreement and avoid strike action.
“As employers we have a responsibility to ensure that any pay deal offered is both sustainable and affordable and that is why we are unable to go beyond the current offer at this point.
“We are currently in discussions with the Scottish Government and await their response to leaders’ request for additional funding.”
A Holyrood spokesman said: “Pay settlements for council workers – excluding teachers – are a matter for COSLA and are determined through negotiations at the Scottish Joint Committee (SJC).
“The Scottish Government urges all parties to continue dialogue and seek a resolution which avoids industrial action.”
