The Building and Allied Traders Union (BATU) is to hold a ballot on strike action at the Monaghan-based company, IJM Timber Engineering. The company, which manufactures timber frame buildings, is refusing to negotiate with BATU on a new system of annualised hours for the workforce. The ballot will take place on Monday and if members vote for strike action, it will begin within a week. Seventy workers have been dismissed and another 24 temporarily laid-off as part of a union recognition dispute at the company. in O Caolain called for intervention in the dispute from the Labour Relations Commission.