The ballot process to bring to an end long-running wage negotiations for council staff in Dumfries and Galloway could begin next month.
About 6,000 workers for the authority are affected by "single status" plans to address equal pay issues.
A deal was agreed in principle last year but it led to complaints from sections of staff facing wage cuts.
However, it now appears a ballot on the issue could be held next month with results known by the end of June.
If that timetable is met, the pay deal could be implemented by October.
Many staff would see their wages go up under the proposed agreement but a significant minority would lose out.
"We are quite optimistic we are close to getting a negotiated settlement"
That had prompted hundreds of complaints to union officials.
A spokesman for public sector union Unison said there were signs of progress being made.
Details of a potential negotiated deal have been sent to union headquarters to be assessed.
If given the all clear, members could be balloted as soon as next month with a pay deal implemented later this year.
Unison service and conditions officer Alan Bradley said: "We are quite optimistic we are close to getting a negotiated settlement.
"Ultimately when we go to ballot we will be saying this is the best we can achieve through negotiation."
Conclude process
The union intends to have a series of roadshows in May with, potentially, the ballot after that.
"We are possibly looking at a single status effective date of the end of October," said Mr Bradley.
A council statement confirmed that it had agreed an offer to be taken to union headquarters to seek approval for ballot.
"The aim will be to conclude the ballot process by the end of June," it said.
"At that point it is hoped a joint collective bargain on the implementation of single status can be achieved."
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