ESB workers have voted in favour of industrial action which could include blackouts in pursuit of a 20 per cent stake in the company and a 18.5 per cent pay rise.
The ballot of 8,300 union members was called as a result of unions' anger that talks in recent months with ESB management and the Government have not produced results. The decision on whether or not to engage in any strike action has been deferred for at least two weeks.
The ESB chief executive, Mr Padraig McManus, is anxious to avoid any blackouts which could seriously cripple industry. He has previously said that partnership is the only way to solve contentious issues.
ESB management contends that the current pay agreement was still in operation and not all its commitments had been honoured.
The ESB unions already own 4.9 per cent of the company, but with some senior management figures at ESB favouring privatisation, unions want to make sure staff have a stake in any future sale.