The DUP and UUP have ruled out taking part in any strike action by councillors over pay.
Both unionist parties moved to distance themselves from a consultation launched this week by the National Association of Councillors' Northern Ireland Region which is seeking views on possible industrial action.
It's in response to the ministerial review of councillor pay and responsibilities.
The DUP Councillors Association said the consultation letter, signed by Alliance councillor Alan McDowell and SDLP councillor Joe Boyle, had "no input" from their party.
In a joint statement, officers Paul McLean, Robert Adair, Alison Bennington and James Lawlor said: "We have spoken extensively to colleagues in the DUP and our collective message is that we will not be participating in any form of strike action.
"For us we serve the people and throughout Northern Ireland we are on the front-line, alongside our MLA and Parliamentary colleagues every day. DUP representatives consider it an honour to work for and serve our local communities and our commitment is to continue to make a difference on the ground."
The statement accused the consultation of being "an attack on DUP Minister Gordon Lyons" and said councillor pay had been endorsed by all Executive ministers, including Alliance.
The Ulster Unionist Party also ruled out supporting any form of strike or work-to-rule.
Cllr David Taylor, chair of the UUP Councillors Association, said: "The Ulster Unionist Party makes clear that it does not support any suggestion of strike action or work to rule following the Ministerial Review of the Roles and Responsibilities of Councillors in Northern Ireland. Such action would not serve the interests of local government or the communities we represent.
"Our priority as a Party is to ensure that constituents and local ratepayers receive effective representation. We remain focused on delivery and the efficient running of councils, and we believe strike action would only distract from those responsibilities."
The National Association of Councillors' consultation follows growing anger among some representatives who argue the current system leaves councillors underpaid compared with counterparts in other parts of the UK.
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Councillors are paid a basic allowance which is intended to recognise their time commitment. The maximum annual allowance is £18,329.
Earlier this week, some councillors warned that industrial action was "indefensible" but necessary to force change, while others branded the idea damaging and unrealistic.
But the National Association of Councillors Northern Ireland (NAC NI), which represents all local councillors, said it is hoping to achieve a "fairer deal."
Councillors have been advised to respond by September 19.