More than 9,000 members of Siptu's Dublin Health Services branch voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action this afternoon over the proposed cutbacks in the health service.
The branch represents non-nursing staff in the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Ninety-eight per cent of members balloted in favour of strike action at Liberty Hall in Dublin.
"The decision to ballot for contingent strike action arose out of a clear and provocative public statement by a senior manager in the HSE to the effect that health workers were inefficient, too expensive
and inflexible", said Siptu health sector organiser Paul Bell.
"He went on to say he intended tearing up or ignoring collective agreements, which enshrine our agreed terms and conditions of employment, and, furthermore, to ignore existing third party procedures for resolving disputes.
This was "tantamount to a declaration of war on our members", according to Mr Bell.
"We had only one way of preparing for such an attack and that was to obtain a strike mandate," he said.
Mr Bell said he recognised there was a crisis in the public finances and expressed willingness to engage in discussions with employers.
"Our members are not afraid to make sacrifices in order to protect and improve the health service for the general public. However, it is important for employers to recognise that sustainable progress can only come through dialogue and engagement," he said.
Meanwhile, nurses warned the Government and the HSE yesterday that it was illegal to dock their pay.
The Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) told Minister for Health Mary Harney and HSE chief Prof Brendan Drumm that its lawyers have confirmed it is unlawful to interfere with the terms of the national wage agreement.
The INO also reiterated that it will not enter into any talks or sign any deal which would reduce the pay of its members.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen and his officials are due to return to talks with unions and employers this week about possible wage reductions or job cuts.
The Government needs to find ways to slash two billion euro from its spending plans for 2009 and is studying the public pay bill.
The national wage agreement, brokered in September, promises a 6 per cent increase over 21 months.
INO general secretary Liam Doran said: “We have received comprehensive legal advice and we are happy that any attempt by Government, to reduce the pay of nurses and midwives, can be successfully resisted.
“The attempts to attack the pay and pensions of public sector workers by Ibec, Isme is opportunistic, antagonistic and unwarranted.”
The INO criticised employers for their persistent calls for an array of financial assistance, grants and tax incentives for business.
“We remain absolutely committed to take whatever action is necessary to protect our members’ interests in the face of any attack on existing pay levels by Government,” Mr Doran said.
Additional reporting: PA