Staff at Irish Ferries have voted for industrial action following the company's decision to lay off or relocate 150 people from its Ireland to France services.
The result of a ballot of workers showed a two to one majority in favour of industrial action, up to and including strike action.
Workers reacted angrily a month ago when company management told them 125 permanent and 25 temporary staff at Rosslare were being given the option of taking voluntary redundancy or moving to another ship, and possibly working out of Dublin.
The company said workers had only a month to choose.
SIPTU and the Seaman's Union of Ireland want management to extend the time allowing staff to decide which option they want to go for.
The industrial action, which may begin in two weeks' time, could affect all three Irish Ferries sailings across the Irish Sea, one in Rosslare and two in Dublin.
