Ships officers at Irish Ferries have voted in favour of industrial action by a majority of almost three to one, following a ballot by their union, Siptu.
A union spokesman said industrial action would only follow if the company stepped outside the terms of Labour Court recommendation on November 11 th, that those Irish Ferries employees who wish to remain with the company on existing pay and conditions be allowed to do so.
The spokesman added that he was unsure exactly how many Irish Ferries staff had signed up for the redundancy package being offered by the firm, but he disputed that it was as high as the 95 per cent claimed by the company.
Of the 103 ships officers who were balloted, 95 ballots were returned with 68 voting in favour of industrial action.
Irish Ferries wants to sack up to 543 unionised seafarers and replace them with cheaper migrant labour. The ships are still operating under the Irish flag.