Unions have indicated that they will agree to an equal pay deal with Dumfries and Galloway Council after ongoing negotiations.
Unison, T&G and GMB union representatives said they agreed in principle to a single status settlement that would increase the salaries of more than 4,000 council workers.
The unions still need a full ballot of members before the equal pay deadline in April.
A Unison briefing statement said: “There are a number of key stages to go through before Unison and other trade union members are balloted on proposals.”
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If the settlement goes ahead, about 65% of the 6,500 council staff involved would receive a pay rise.
