CCTV staff in Scotland’s biggest city will vote on strike action in a dispute over pay.

Staff who operate the cameras in Glasgow are threatening to walk out because they do not receive any more money for working night shifts.

Community Safety Glasgow (CSG), an arms-length organisation that works with the council and police, has responsibility for operating and monitoring the 400 CCTV cameras throughout the city.

There are 19 camera operatives currently employed by CSG, with 16 of those members of the Unison and Unite trade unions.

Unison said its members at Community Safety Glasgow "must be treated the same as other council workers who work shifts".

Concerns have been raised over the move, with one MSP saying it would put "the public in danger" as he urged union bosses to reconsider strike action.

Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokeswoman Alison McInnes called for CSG and the unions to resolve the situation and make sure the "chance of having video footage that could help bring criminals to justice is not diminished."

Unison has consulted its members, who are at the bottom level of council pay, and have agreed to hold a ballot. The vote is expected to take place no earlier than February.

Jim Main, Unison’s Glasgow branch officer, said: "Our members work shifts for no extra money. This is totally unacceptable. Glasgow CCTV is a 24-hour, seven-day public service and our members must be treated the same as other council workers who work shifts.

"We have been left with no option other than to move to a strike action ballot as Community Safety Glasgow and the council are just not listening.

"The council needs to get round the table with Unison and agree a negotiated settlement of our members’ legitimate claim."

Ms McInnes said: "These CCTV cameras play an important role in law enforcement and when crimes are committed police rely on the footage they capture.

"But if operators are being stretched, everyone needs to come together so the dispute can be resolved fairly and so the chance of having video footage that could help bring criminals to justice is not diminished.”

Scottish Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone said: "It is really irresponsible of Community Safety Glasgow staff to threaten a strike ballot.

"CCTV serves a purpose when used properly. It catches the perpetrators of crime and the aftermath, and CCTV evidence is often useful in bringing about a conviction in court.

"As usual, it is the union bosses whipping up a storm and putting the public in danger. We would urge them to reconsider strike action for the benefit of public safety."

A spokeswoman for Community Safety Glasgow said: "We haven't been notified of an industrial ballot."

The workforce at CSG is responsible for assisting police in preventing crime and tackling antisocial behaviour in the city.