WORKERS at the council's leisure centres could walk out if they're not offered extra cash during the Commonwealth Games.

Unions say Glasgow Life staff - who also look after the city's museums - are treated as a "second class workforce".

Unison, Unite and GMB are balloting for a one-day strike in a bid to secure additional payments.

Glasgow Life is an arms-length organisation with 2800 staff overseeing the council's publicly-owned leisure centres, museums and libraries.

The Evening Times understands 800 workers will be asked to give the go ahead for a walk out.

Brian Smith, UNISON City of Glasgow Branch Secretary, said: "Glasgow Life is treating its staff as a second class workforce and it's no wonder these workers feel undervalued.

"They are just as important to the delivery of the games as other council workers and should be afforded the same deal.

"Those in charge of the games should treat all workers with respect and recognise the crucial role they will play over the next couple of months."

The union claims Glasgow Life has offered no "enhancements" for working overtime and also changed shift patterns without agreement.

Mr Smith added: "I can't believe they think they're going to get away with this. There's a growing anger and disappointment among staff, particularly the sports workers.

"You sometimes wonder whether Glasgow Life understands irony when the whole idea of the Commonwealth Games is a sports event."

A spokesman for Glasgow Life said staff have been offered overtime payments and a day off on Christmas Eve.

He said: "We are deeply disappointed that there has been a call for strike action and would urge those who have a vote, to vote against industrial action.

"The Commonwealth Games is an outstanding opportunity for Glasgow to present itself on the world stage and staff across Glasgow Life are proud to be part of it.

"In recognition of the work being done across the company, all staff will benefit from an additional day's annual leave on December 24 and any member of staff who works additional hours will be compensated as normal."

The ballot opens tomorrow and will run until July 11.