SIPTU members in German-owned car components company Kostal have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action, up to and including strike action, at the company's plants in Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick and Mallow, Co Cork.
The union says the action is being taken as part of a dispute to protect agreed terms and conditions of employment.
SIPTU says agreements were reached a number of years ago under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission conciliation service that provided for workers in non-production roles to receive bonuses related to performance appraisals as well as bonuses for those who are at the top of their pay scale and no longer require appraisals.
"Kostal management has made a unilateral decision to not pay these bonuses which provide our members with a once off payment of up to 3% of basic pay," SIPTU Organiser, Joe Kelly, said.
"A ballot of our members employed in the Abbeyfeale and Mallow plants returned a result of 98% in favour of industrial action and 94% in favour of strike action," Mr Kelly added.
SIPTU is accusing management at the company of refusing to enter meaningful negotiations which has left workers with no choice but to take this course of action.
SIPTU committees from both plants will meet this week to discuss the details and timeline of the proposed industrial action.
