COUNCIL workers angry about equal-pay proposals that could see some face major cuts, may be considering industrial action, a union official has warned.

Members of the GMB union who work for Sunderland City Council have voted by 89.4 per cent to reject the council's plan for "single status" pay, which aims to eliminate sexual discrimination.

GMB regional officer Martin Gannon said that more than 4,000 workers would receive substantial increases under the proposals, but more than 3,000 employees would have their pay reduced, "in some cases by up to 33 per cent".

He said the union and its members felt the proposals should "lift people up", not reduce their pay.

"We now expect that the council will come back to the negotiating table with a substantially improved offer," he said.

"Failure by the council to fully recognise the depth of feeling expressed by our members could mean the union will have no alternative but to consult our members about industrial action."

A council spokesman said: "The council is ready and willing to resume talks at the earliest possible opportunity.''

Councils across the country are reviewing their pay structures following a nat-ional agreement to ensure equality in staff pay and grading.