TRADE unions have been given the go-ahead to address the key decision-making body on Glasgow City Council ahead of a crucial vote on cutting staff terms and conditions.

In an unusual move, the administration has bypassed the authority's own rules to allow one representative from the trade union movement to spell out their concerns to councillors on the executive committee.

The Herald revealed yesterday how the Labour-led council faces the prospect of widespread industrial action as details of cuts to staff working conditions to save millions of pounds emerge.

The local authority plans to axe overtime payments and place major restrictions on flexible working hours as part of a raft of proposals to save around £4.5 million over the next two years.

It is also understood that several prominent figures within the administration are apprehensive about conflict with the trade unions with just three months to the Holyrood elections and just over a year to the next local poll.

Unions had asked for representatives of the EIS, Unite, Unison and the GMB to speak but were given permission for one to speak for all four.

Council leader Frank McAveety said: "Until now there have been a series of meetings between the unions and a number of executive members of the Council.

"The unions have requested an opportunity to speak at the executive committee, and given what we now know about the severity of the budget crisis facing Glasgow, it is appropriate that their views are taken into account."

Asked whether his team were united in supporting the workforce changes, he added: "The administration is examining every single option to deal with the draconian budget settlement from the Scottish Government. That includes what measures are necessary to protect frontline services and deliver our ‘no compulsory redundancies’ pledge."

Susan Aitken, leader of the council's SNP group, said: "It's vitally important that elected members listen very carefully to staff representatives before we make any decision that might affect terms and conditions.

"Our staff are our biggest asset and we will rely on their skills and commitment more than ever to maintain service delivery in the face of the undoubtedly tough financial settlement forced by the Tories' cuts to Scotland's budget, which makes it vital that the council, in turn, demonstrates its commitment to protecting staff wellbeing.

"The SNP will only support changes to staff terms and conditions if they have been negotiated in partnership and agreed with trade unions. Any other approach would be both unfair and counterproductive."

A spokesman for the joint trade union group on the council welcomed the move but added: "Scottish Labour is going to campaign in next three months to increase taxes to hold off council cuts but Glasgow Labour going to vote on Thursday to cut council workers wages and conditions. More than a bit inconsistent."