SIPTU is to begin balloting for industrial action at Aer Lingus tomorrow as it steps up its campaign against the privatisation of the airline.
The decision to begin balloting was taken after the last of a series of union meetings in Dublin, Shannon and Cork.
The Government has insisted that it will not reverse plans to sell off a majority stake in the airline despite union opposition.
However SIPTU is to press ahead with what it is describing as a 'protective measure' in event of an announcement by the Government without agreement with unions.
The union will ballot over 2,000 members and the result should be known next week.
Other unions are also considering their position.
IMPACT, which represents 1800 workers, has asked the Government to clarify a number of issues affecting staff in the event of a flotation.
