SOME 10,000 clerical workers in employment and tax offices, Garda stations and other Government offices are threatening strike action next month in protest at the Government's embargo on recruitment in the civil service.
The Civil and Public Service Union (CPSU), yesterday agreed to ballot its members over the next two weeks and has called for a half day strike on February 21st. The work stoppage will be followed by a ban on overtime, strict adherence to job descriptions and other forms of non co operation.
"Under the Government's embargo, two thirds of vacancies will not be filled and the lower paid servants feel that it is unfair that they should be expected to carry the workload," said the CPSU general secretary, Mr John O'Dowd.
"We believe the public is entitled to a top quality service, but already the embargo is beginning to have an impact in employment exchanges and agricultural offices, as claims and payments are taking longer to process", said Mr O'Dowd.
The CPSU represents 10,000 clerical staff, most of whom are female and lower paid, with a take home pay of between £100 and £150 a week. Mr O'Dowd said that the embargo would also reduce the opportunity of promotion.
The Department of Finance, which is responsible for civil servants, declined to comment until it had studied the threat of industrial action.