More than 70 eircom operators are stopping work for six hours this afternoon in a dispute over compensation for Eircell workers who will leave the company's share scheme when they move to Vodafone.
Loss of the employee share option trust (ESOT) would cost each employee an estimated £45,000 in forgone shares. Eircom management and unions have met several times to try to resolve the dispute.
As a result of the action the 11818 international directory, 114 international operator and national operator services 10 will not be available between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
An eircom spokeswoman confirmed today's action was official and said further stoppages were possible.
Calls to emergency services are unaffected.