Trade unions representing about 200 Aer Lingus ground staff said today they would ballot members on whether to stage industrial action over the airline's cost cutting measures.
The Aer Lingus Craft Group of Trade Unions (ALCGTU) said in a statement the airline had refused to withdraw new employment contracts that it believes undermine existing terms and conditions.
It gave no date for the ballot. The ALCGTU is an amalgamation of skilled craft worker unions who service Aer Lingus aircraft at Shannon, Cork and Dublin airports.
ALCGTU chairman Brian Gormley said early indications showed full endorsement by members for industrial action, "up to and including complete withdrawal of labour."
"The support for the employee shareholders in rejecting the Ryanair hostile takeover bid for the airline has been rewarded by an immediate attack on their conditions of employment," Mr Gormley said.