NORTH-East council workers will vote on possible strike action which could involve more than 4,500 staff.

Unison members working for Sunderland City Council will be balloted at a meeting on May 27, where the union's local government service group chairwoman, Jean Geldart, will lead the call for a yes vote.

Sunderland Unison members have already rejected a three per cent pay offer, and other unions representing council staff are also considering balloting members over action.

Branch secretary Bob Scott said: "Jean Geldart's presence at our meeting will significantly assist in the call for strike action, not only within the Sunderland branch, but amongst the 84,000 affected Unison members in the northern region and beyond.