City wardens in Aberdeen could go on strike over a dispute with the local authority that they are being monitored at work.
The long-running row kicked off last year after two wardens were suspended when their bosses used a computer to show they had not been where they were scheduled to be.
It prompted suspicion among the warns that the machines they use to issue a parking ticket are used to trace their movements during working hours.
And now union Unite has held a consultative ballot, which found the majority of staff do not believe the issue has been dealt with sufficiently – and that they would support a strike.
Tommy Campbell, of the union, said: “We’ve had a consultative ballot and there is overwhelming support for a strike.
“There has been a report into the issue of city wardens being monitored but it has not been dealt with properly – there are still unanswered questions.
“They have said the monitoring has been a mistake but members do not believe this.
“We now intend to proceed with the legal industrial action ballot if there is no resolution within the council’s own dispute procedure.”
The process will take two weeks to formalise, although could be called off if the issue is resolved.
City centre councillor Bill Cormie praised the work of the city wardens and said he hoped a strike could be prevented.
“A lot of people do not realise that city wardens to a lot more than just parking tickets,” he said.
“They deal with dogs fouling and litter, it’s a very hard job.
“Everyone needs a break at work and this situation has been handled very badly.
“It’s sad to see it has come to this.”
A spokeswoman at Aberdeen City Council said: “Dialogue is continuing with our trade union colleagues with the aim of resolving the concerns that they have.”