The Communications Workers Union (CWU) is to ballot An Post employees for industrial action as the row over pay and conditions continues.

A double ballot will take place over the next two weeks, in a move which could lead to disruption of the postal service in the run-up to Christmas.

An Post reacted angrily to the move last night, claiming it was disappointed and the ballots would only cause further delays. A spokesman also took serious issue with the "implied threat" to Christmas services.

The CWU decided on the ballot following a meeting of its executive yesterday.

One ballot is to ask members to consider a pay offer of 5.35 per cent over four years, which An Post made to collection and delivery staff in talks with the Labour Relations Commission last week.

The second ballot is to seek a renewed mandate for industrial action, if it is deemed necessary to protect existing agreements.

CWU general secretary Mr Steve Fitzpatrick said last night there were some very wide-ranging proposals and the executive wanted members to understand just what An Post was seeking.

"There is no argument that changes are needed, but the extent of the changes being sought are unacceptable, and that is the issue," he said.

Mr Fitzpatrick said there were up to 30 issues which may not be agreed on or accepted by members and these may end up being referred to the Labour Court.

An Post is seeking a range of changes including 1,455 job losses, franchising out post delivery services and overtime curbs.

The An Post spokesman said the ballots represented a further delay to a company which has already missed three deadlines.

"Any delay is serious for a company that lost €43 million last year. The implied threat to Christmas services is also unacceptable and damaging to the company," he said.

He also expressed surprise at moves towards a ballot while the matter was before the Labour Relations Commission (LRC).

Mr Fitzpatrick if there was a decision to reject the current proposals then the CWU would take the process from the LRC to the Labour Court.

The An Post spokesman said: "We welcome what appears to be an assurance that the CWU intends to pursue this through the process."

Both sides will be back in the Labour Relations Commission today, where there will be an update on whatever progress has been made to date.