The majority of members of Unite the union have rejected the 2.75% pay offer.
The union has called the offer 'unrealistic and iinsulting' arguing it amounts to just £1.83 a day.
The union said it now expects a de facto imposition of the 2.75% offer and would be pressing for local pay deals after 70% of its members rejected it.
Unite national officer for local government, Jim Kennedy, said: 'Unite will continue to be the champion and voice of our local government heroes and will move to submitting local claims to address the long hours, culture.
'Our members are right to reject poverty pay and we will be stepping up the campaign for a fair wage that properly respects the contribution these workers make to our society in delivering services from the cradle-to-the grave.'
Trade unions have been urged to accept the ‘final’ 2.75% pay increase for council staff by the National Employers. The offer also includes an extra day of annual leave.
