Workers at Co Armagh potato crisps makers Tayto are to ballot on industrial action in a row with management over pay.
The Unite union said its 130 workers among the 250 workforce in Tandragee would be balloted on action up to and including all-out strike action.
The ballot is to take place after talks between management and unions today during which the employers said there would be no 2007 pay rise beyond that required to meet expected increases in the minimum wage in October, according to Unite.
The company said its employees had received a pay increase of 3 per cent in January 2006, a further 3 per cent in October 2006 and that it was their intention to pay a further 3.1 per cent in October this year.
A statement added: "Tayto remain a very competitive and important employer in Northern Ireland and will continue to talk constructively with their employees at all times."
But Unite regional organiser Sean McKeever branded the company's claim as "rubbish".
"They are not prepared to offer any pay rise beyond the minimum wage increase.
"Most of our people are on the minimum wage. We want to be above the minimum wage and we want a cost of living increase now.
"The company are hiding behind minimum wage legislation — they have to pay it by law and it is expected to be increased by the government by around 3 per cent in October," he said.