Hundreds of workers at Scotland's largest council have voted to take industrial action in a dispute over pay and conditions.

A ballot for industrial action among GMB members in refuse, street cleaning, parks and gardens has resulted in the vast majority of those who chose to vote supporting for in Glasgow City Council.

Around 750 out of 1000 members in the union supported the actions, including strikes. Workers were balloted after the council tabled proposals to reduce pay and conditions for many members as part of a drive to save money.

Of the 1000 GMB members balloted, more than 80% voted, with 95% voting in favour. The move comes after it emerged earlier this month that the authority plans to cut overtime payments and flexible working hours in a bid to make £4.5m in savings.

GMB officer Benny Rankin said: "Glasgow City Council drove their tanks on to our collective lawn by tabling plans to decimate pay and conditions for workers in core front line services.

"Senior officials in the City Chambers picked this fight and GMB Scotland has now given our response.

"If they want a fight we are ready. The streets of Glasgow are already dirty and unkempt because we just don't have enough workers to cope.

"This spring and summer, visitors and residents will be faced with parks, gardens and streets that will be piled high with rubbish. There has never been such a level of support for strike action in living memory.

"After years of pay freezes and seeing their standard of living eroded, our members have had enough.

"Low-paid council workers are not going to pay for the financial crisis in Glasgow. We don't care if the financial problems are down to John Swinney's cuts or failings in Glasgow City Council, enough is enough.

"We demand that Glasgow City Council immediately withdraw the cuts to pay and conditions they tabled. If they do not, we will move to a formal ballot for strike action.

"GMB Scotland shop stewards will convene a ‘council of war’ this week to prepare for strikes."

Cllr Frank McAveety, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "I’m surprised to hear of these claims from the GMB. When the budget options are put to the council next week, I believe there will be no grounds for the threat of strikes.

"We have consulted with the unions every step of the way and have delivered our pledge of no compulsory redundancies. Staff will also have among the best terms and conditions in the country.

"This is despite having to save £130m over the next two years after the Scottish Government made unprecedented cuts to our budget."