Unions are drawing up plans to submit a claim for a £1,000 pay rise and a reduced working week for up to 1.5 million council workers, it has been revealed.
Talks between local authority employers and officials from three trade unions will start in January, with predictions of a "tough battle" to reach a deal.
Unions are believed to be seeking a rise of £1,000 or 5%, whichever is greater, at a time when the government has been trying to cap public sector pay awards at 2%.
The claim, on behalf of council staff in England and Wales including dinner ladies, refuse collectors, librarians, architects and school caretakers, will be submitted in the New Year and will include a call for a one hour cut in the working week to 35 hours.
Brian Strutton, national officer of the GMB, said: "We expect a very tough battle ahead, especially as the Chancellor has been trying to cap public sector pay awards at 2% at a time when inflation is running at 3.9%.
"To tackle the inequality between the top and the bottom of the pay scales it has been agreed to seek a flat rate pay rise of £1,000 for full time council workers as part of the claim."
Paul Kenny, GMB general secretary, added: "The public rightly demands good quality service from local councils. They also expect people delivering the services to be fairly rewarded and for discrimination against women over equal pay to be eradicated."
A spokesman for the local government employers said: "The key aspect of any pay deal is that any increases do not overburden the council taxpayer while at the same time making sure that local government continues to be an attractive place to work in.
"The employers will seek a suitable viable solution for council taxpayers and employers that is fair to employees."
Unions and employers have not yet agreed a deal on changes to the local government pension scheme.
