Strike notice was served yesterday on the management of the second largest farm organisation in the country, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association.
SIPTU, which represents 14 of the organisation's clerical staff based in the organisation's Limerick city headquarters, said last night that strike action would become operative on Monday week. A spokesman said the action was being taken because of "the unilateral changes to the existing terms of conditions of employment of the staff" being made by management.
It added that it was available for negotiations.
If the strike goes ahead it would disrupt the ICMSA participation in the largest farming event of the year, the National Ploughing Championships, which are due to begin the day after strike notice expires.