SUBSIDIES to farmers and meat processors could be at risk as 1,200 agricultural officers in the Department of Agriculture consider strike action after rejecting a pay deal under the Programme for Competitiveness and Work.
The officers concerned are involved in meat inspections, carcass classification, farm development programmes, headage schemes and animal disease eradication.
The Department is still clearing the backlog of payments to farmers that arose as a result of the 10 week work to rule and overtime ban by the Civil and Public Service Union earlier this year. That action was also taken in pursuit of a PCW pay claim.
The officers are members of IMPACT. The deal offered them average pay rises of just under 7 per cent on a phased basis between now and the end of 1998. In return, the Department sought extra flexibility, and transferability of staff between grades and work areas. It was recommended by the IMPACT negotiators.
IMPACT assistant general secretary Mr Kevin Callinan said the result of the ballot underlined the strength of feeling among members.
"They are not prepared to accept the modest increases on offer for the type of flexibility required", he said.