The Prison Officers Association (POA) said a national poll of its members has shown overwhelming support for industrial action, up to and including strike action, if the Government does not set out a clear and credible approach to aligning pay and living standards, at the start of the next round of public sector pay talks.
Similar ballots have also been announced by other public sector unions including Fórsa, SIPTU, INMO and Unite.
The previous public sector pay deal expired on 30 June, and formal talks have yet to begin on a successor agreement.
The last deal provided for pay increases of up to 10.25% over the course of the two-and-a-half-year period.
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 only through engagement that agreement can be reached,” the department said.
