More than 700 Dublin fire fighters have voted for strike action in pursuit of a long standing pay claim.
Their union SIPTU claims that Dublin Corporation is refusing to negotiate with them separately from the other union involved, IMPACT, which represents about 70 fire fighters.
SIPTU branch secretary Mr Paul Smyth said it was "unprecedented for an employer not to meet a union in the circumstances.
By management making it an issue of joint negotiations, they are claiming the right to decide "who sits at the table."
Dublin Corporation's Personnel manager Mr Frank Kelly said, "we are very disappointed it has come to this.
"We are victims of an internecine dispute between SIPTU and IMPACT that is not serving the interests of fire fighters or the public."
The claim is for parity with the Garda.
It is worth about £50 a week.