Porters cleaners and security staff at Ulster Bank have balloted for strike action in pursuit of their claim to be paid a £2,000 (#2,539) "Dublin allowance" similar to that paid to bank officials.

The 50 staff, who are members of the SIPTU trade union, yesterday overwhelmingly voted for industrial action and will apply for sanction to begin their action under industrial relations rules.

The ballot follows a conciliation conference involving both sides and another one is planned next week. The bank has refused to pay the allowance to SIPTU members claiming it was only intended for staff who were members of the Irish Bank Officials' Association.