THOUSANDS of council workers across Glasgow have lodged appeals against new terms and conditions.

So many are demanding a review that it is estimated some staff could have to wait four years before their case is heard.

The revelations come after the Evening Times revealed last night that 6500 workers have been given less than two weeks to sign up to new deals or risk losing three days' holiday and a cash sum.

George Black, chief executive of Glasgow City Council, issued the warning in a letter yesterday.

He claimed 21,500 staff - 77% of the workforce - had accepted the changes being introduced from April 1 to comply with equal pay legislation.

However, today it emerged that almost 10,000 workers have lodged appeals.

Many of them claim their jobs are being downgraded and as a result they will lose out.

One charge hand complained: "We're being blackmailed. I'm a family man so I've no option but to accept it.

"I'll lose £1200 a year if I sign up. If I do that and then lodge an appeal I know what will happen.

"My managers will dismiss the appeal - because I've signed up to the deal. It's a no-win situation."

Most staff won't lose a penny under the new terms and conditions, but a minority face pay cuts.

Unison, the largest public sector union, says 9909 workers have lodged appeals or have demanded a review of their new job descriptions.

Union activists estimate the appeals procedure could take up to four years if the right of every worker to a hearing is granted.

Council chiefs, however, dismiss the claim. They say the process is "manageable" because many of the cases are identical. It means a ruling for one will apply to scores of others.