GMB Union has recommended more than 150,000 members working for councils and schools reject the local government pay offer.
Local authority and education workers across England and Wales have been offered a 3.2 per cent pay rise for 2025/26.
GMB’s Local Government and Schools Committees has unanimously recommended a rejection and to seek support for industrial action to secure an improved offer.
The consultative ballot - which will include a commitment to industrial action - opens on 12 May and closes on 20 June
Kevin Brandstatter, GMB National Officer, said:
“Local Government and schools workers across England and Wales have suffered years of real terms pay cuts.
“While this offer is just above inflation, GMB members need something more to make up the hole in their living standards carved out during 14 years of Conservative misrule.
“GMB’s committees were unanimous; this offer isn’t enough and it's shocking this full and final pay offer was made without any negotiation.
"We will now ask members if they are willing to strike to get more.”
