Talks over changes to public sector pay are ongoing.
Brighton and Hove City Council wants to overhaul special allowances paid to three-quarters of its 8,000-strong workforce, claiming it is “no longer fit for purpose”.
But union representatives blasted the reform, claiming it was intended to reduce the pay bill at a time of Government cuts.
They added it could leave low-paid workers, such as binmen, care workers, security guards and school staff, up to £4,000 a year worse off.
The Argus understands union officials and council chiefs met last week, with further discussions planned over the next six to eight weeks.
When politicians handed control of negotiations over to officers last month, the local authority gave itself a deadline of the end of March to complete talks.
See the latest news headlines from The Argus:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here