The Scottish government’s health secretary Neil Gray told Scotland: “I would encourage all those involved, all partners, Glasgow City Council and the trade unions involved to get round the table and to negotiate.
“This government supports fair work principles, and we would want fair work principles driving the employment of workers.”
Both the GMB and Unite unions were in favour of balloting their members over the proposed pay structure.
Before the council announcement both unions said they had secured an extra £110m to be added into the salary structure.
However, Unison said the extra funding was for “assimilation and arrears”, and would not help the staff facing wage cuts.
The GMB and Unite unions both criticised the decision to go ahead with fire and re-hire, with Unite calling it a “scandalous threat”.
Scottish Secretary, Douglas Alexander, said the council’s action comes just months before UK government legislation will make fire and rehire schemes illegal, a move he called “the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation.”
“Not only the employees but Glasgow residents who rely on these vital services deserve better,” he added.
“The council leadership should get back around the table today and find a better way forward.”