The T&G claimed the strike could close schools

The T&G union revealed a ballot showed that 94% - 383 out of 407 returned papers - were in favour of going on strike.

Aberdeen City Council has been informally notified and union leaders say a strike could close schools.

The council will hold talks with the union but vowed to keep schools open.

This has been a landslide ballot in favour of strike action Tommy Campbell T&G union

A council spokesman said the authority was disappointed by the result.

One worker, Claudine Vincent, said: "We have had meetings for a whole year to try and get our money. We have had enough."

Tommy Campbell, the T&G regional organiser, said: "At the end of the day this workforce has given a clear message back - they are not going to be messed about with.

"This has been a landslide ballot in favour of strike action."

Contingency plans

Aberdeen City Council said: "We are heartened by the fact that the union has agreed to have a joint meeting along with the conciliation service Acas at the beginning of next month."

The spokesman also called on the union to take part in round table discussions.

"We do have contingency plans in place to ensure that all schools would remain open," he added.

The council narrowly avoided strikes by staff last year over equal pay.

The T&G lodged claims for back pay on behalf of some of the council's lowest paid workers.