Council workers in Carmarthenshire will finish voting today on possible industrial action over gritting duties this winter.
GMB Union is balloting members for strike action over winter gritting, or other forms for action short of a strike.
If members strike there could be a blanket ban on winter gritting duties – meaning roads across south Wales could grind to a halt in the new year.
With Blizzards and Polar winds predicted to hit Wales in the next few weeks, it could cause Travel Chaos on icy rural lanes in Carmarthenshire.
The ballot will close on Monday 25 November. The vote follows an official dispute between GMB, Unison and Unite unions and CCC over the issue of rates of pay for staff under-taking winter gritting duties.
The council made an offer to staff that was rejected unanimously by members of GMB, the largest union in the depots, with a mandate to ballot for action if negotiations do not progress.
Carmarthenshire currently has some of the worst terms and conditions for staff under-taking gritting duties in comparison with other local authorities, and staff risking their own insurance when working.
Peter Hill, GMB Regional Organiser said, “We negotiated in good faith over the last year to try and find a deal, but unfortunately we’ve yet to get a fair deal for GMB members.
“Staff are being forced to undertake winter gritting on low rates of pay, after years of real terms decline in the wages.
“Our members are angry and frustrated and unless Carmarthenshire County council puts forward a fairer deal then it is likely GMB members will vote for action – leading to travel chaos in the new year.”