SIPTU members in the public sector have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action, up to and including strike action.
The union has accused the Government of failing to present serious proposals on pay or provide guarantees against outsourcing.
The overall result among SIPTU members employed in health, local government and State agencies, who were balloted in this phase, was 97% in favour of strike action and 98% for industrial action.
The previous public sector pay deal expired on 30 June, and formal talks have yet to begin on a successor agreement.
Similar ballots have been announced by other public sector unions.
Last week, Unite and the Prison Officers Association said their members in the public sector had voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action.
Fórsa, the largest public sector union, will outline its results tomorrow.
The Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) also announced today that it is to ballot its members on industrial action, up to and including strike action.
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Adrian Kane accused the Government of sitting on its hands when it comes to negotiating a new public sector pay deal.
Watch: Similar ballots have been announced by other public sector unions
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“Trade unions have been available for months to negotiate a successor agreement, but the Government has failed to engage meaningfully,” Mr Kane said.
“SIPTU will now confer with our sister unions across the public service as they complete their balloting processes.”
“Together, we will determine the action necessary to compel the Government to enter meaningful negotiations,” he added.
Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers has said previously that the threat of industrial action is unnecessary and that the Government wants to reach an agreement on public sector pay.
A spokesperson for the Department of Public Expenditure said the Government remains available for engagement with unions on all matters.
“It is disappointing that the opportunity to engage on a successor agreement in recent weeks was not taken,” the department said.
“Following the balloting period, it is important that both sides return to the table to work towards a public service pay agreement.
“Meaningful progress can only be achieved where both parties are open to constructive and sustained engagement, without preconditions on either side,” the spokesperson added.
