GLASGOW City Council has been accused of underhand tactics by union bosses.

The criticism comes the night before thousands of underpaid women are due to walk out across the city.

Picket lines will involve more than 2000 GMB members who provide round the clock home care for 87,000 service users, as well as cleaning and catering services for schools and amenities across the city.

Cleansing staff at nine depots across the city were told they would face disciplinary action if they did not cross the picket line.

Cleaners at each depot will walk out and their colleagues were planning to give them support.

But letters to staff threatened sanctions that would have been enforced using Tory anti-trade union laws.

However, following outrage from the unions, it emerged the letter had been withdrawn.

A council spokesman said: "The letter was sent out in error and has subsequently been withdrawn."

A GMB Scotland spokesman said: "Using Tory anti-trade union laws to undermine this democratic strike is not in the council's interests.

"After a weekend of reckless and inaccurate comment stemming from the City Chambers, we are pleased to see that some common sense has prevailed and the threats to the livelihoods of our members have been withdrawn.

"The assurance from the council that no member of staff will face disciplinary action if they refuse to cross a picket line is only right and proper."