SIPTU members employed in Bord na Móna Recycling are to begin a ballot for strike action over the planned sale of the business.
The union said that at a meeting with management, the company was unable to offer any assurances on the protection of the terms and conditions of workers after the sale of the operation.
Earlier this month, Bord na Móna said it had reached an agreement to sell the business to KWD Recycling, subject to regulatory approval.
SIPTU has called for a halt to the sale, claiming the move is counter to economic and environmental best practice.
SIPTU Divisional Organiser Adrian Kane said a meeting of shop stewards was held last night.
“At this meeting it was decided that our members had no option but to commence a ballot for industrial action, up to and including strike action, in response to the threat to their terms and conditions of employment from a sale of the company,” Mr Kane said.
The ballot of SIPTU members will be conducted in the workplace and is expected to be completed by early March.
The company has said that while the operation will no longer be part of the Bord na Móna group, employees will continue to work for the recycling business with no change to their contractual terms and conditions of employment on handover.
Bord na Móna Recycling provides waste collection services for homes and businesses across Leinster and north Munster.
A spokesperson for the company said it is continuing to engage with the impacted employees and their representatives from SIPTU.
