Members of the Unite trade union working in the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action over job loss concerns.
The union has accused the NSAI of deciding to seek Government sanction to impose compulsory redundancies contrary to established practice in the public sector.
Unite also claims that management is proposing to impose staff reassignments without agreement.
The industrial action will start on Tuesday and will initially involve product reviewers withdrawing from billable work linked to conformity assessments.
In addition, auditors will only be available to conduct audits for their daily contracted hours inclusive of travel time.
“Instead of setting standards, the NSAI is flouting standards and undermining industrial relations in the public sector at a crucial juncture,” said Unite regional officer Ed Thompson.
“They have sought sanction for compulsory redundancies from the Departments of Enterprise and Public Expenditure.
“I would urge both Departments to refuse sanction for compulsory redundancies, and also to instruct the NSAI to engage meaningfully with Unite on any proposed reassignments,” Mr Thompson said.
The NSAI has been contacted for comment.
