ployee) Peter Blood stalled.

They claim they are being paid "peanuts" by the council, which employees about 1000 full-time, part-time and casual staff.

Australian Services Union organiser Lita Gillies approached a rather startled council CEO George Modrich as he was leaving the building at the same time as the lunchtime rally and told him the workers were not willing to accept the council's offer of a 3.5per cent pay increase or a flat rate of an extra $35 a week. It seemed to be a cordial encounter.

Ms Gillies said employees wanted a 4per cent increase or a flat rate of an extra $38 a week.

"This is the first time [union] members at Frankston have let their feet do the talking. Frankston City Council wages are much lower than Kingston, Greater Dandenong and Mornington Peninsula Shire councils.

"Traditionally Frankston workers have not been active. Now they have had enough."

Kingston and Greater Dandenong ASU members have accepted 3.5per cent increases, but they are paid more than Frankston employees.

Negotiations by Mornington Peninsula Shire employees are due to start soon.

Ms Gillies said workers at the shire were paid more than Frankston and had better conditions.

"Wages at Frankston are getting further and further behind their counterparts at neighbouring councils. They deserve parity. Frankston Council workers aren't monkeys. They need more than peanuts to survive."