Unions at Aer Rianta have formally notified the company of their intention to ballot for industrial action up to and including strike action at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports.
The unions are opposing the Government decision to break up the company.
The ballot will start next week and it is hoped a result will be known on Saturday, 6 September.
The unions, which represent almost 2,000 workers, are SIPTU, MANDATE, IMPACT and the TEEU.
It is understood their decision follows a meeting with senior Aer Rianta management earlier this week.
The company was unable to guarantee employees pay or employment terms beyond the next 12 months.
