Strike action likely at British Embassy in Dublin

A ballot for strike action at the British Embassy in Dublin began today with workers condemning management over planned job cuts.

Bosses at the Unite trade union claimed three senior Irish workers were warned last Friday they would be issued with compulsory redundancy notices.

Their colleagues met to discuss the dispute and will vote over the next week whether to walk out and picket the Ballsbridge offices.

Unite regional officer Colm Quinlan accused British ambassador, David Reddaway, and management of ignoring negotiating procedures before proposing cuts.

"There was a lot of anger at the meeting over the manner in which this decision was arrived at and was communicated to staff," he said.

"The ambassador and his staff have shown complete disregard for the Irish Labour Relations Commission through which this should have been negotiated."

Unite said more than 30 of the embassy's 40 union members attended the meeting in Dublin.

The result of the vote is expected next week but strike action is not likely for at least a fortnight.