THE CIE group of unions formally agreed to ballot members for strike action over the next two weeks.
The chairman of the CIE union group, Mr Hugh Geraghty, called on the company to take advantage of the breathing space provided by the ballot to re enter talks.
The group had been expected to agree to a strike ballot after the National Bus and Rail Union, not a member of the CIE group, made a similar decision on Wednesday.
The union has also taken a High Court action against CIE for attempting to introduce changes in work practices for Bus Eireann drivers. The outcome of that case is due to be heard on November 21st.
The Labour Court has been invited to intervene in the dispute by the CIE group of unions, but has declined to do so until the High Court case is over.
The CIE unions have already balloted for strike action to resist plans by the company to introduce a £44 million cost cutting plan unilaterally.
The latest ballot has been called because the company is refusing to pay the latest phase of the Programme for Competitiveness and Work until the cost cutting plan is agreed.
The increases, worth 2.5 per cent, are due to be paid to manual employees from October 1st last and to clerical staff from December 1st.
If, as expected, CIE workers vote for industrial action, the first one day strike will be called for December 6th.