Letters were sent over the weekend to the 40,500 affected workers informing them what their new terms and conditions will be.

Ucatt is furious that despite numerous requests there has been no consultation with the union on the matter. Many UCATT members are set to receive new contracts, which contain vastly inferior terms and conditions.

Steve Murphy, Ucatt's regional secretary for the Midlands region, said: “Birmingham council leaders are acting like feudal barons, who believe they have complete mastery of their workers. Such actions are a disgrace in the 21st century and must be condemned. Strike action is always a last resort but our members have got no option due to the council’s intransigent stance.”

Ucatt will now press ahead with a formal ballot for industrial action. Balloting will begin before the end of the year. An informal consultative ballot earlier this year showed overwhelming support for industrial action.

It is expected that the other town hall unions in Birmingham also affected by the council’s actions will also be seeking a mandate for industrial action from their members.