The National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) today began balloting almost 4,000 workers on possible industrial action over Government plans to reform public transport.
A Yes vote could result in a series on one-day stoppages when changes to the CIE are implemented.
The ballot, which is being held today and tomorrow, comes as Dublin prepares for traffic disruption when taxi drivers stage a three-hour protest tomorrow afternoon.
Both bus and rail workers are being balloted by the NBRU following Minister for Transport Mr Seamus Brennan's proposal to franchise as many as 25 per cent of Dublin bus routes by early 2004.
NBRU general secretary Mr Liam Tobin stressed that the union did not want to disrupt bus and rail services and would only use industrial action as a last resort.
However he added that if action was taken it would hit passengers across the State.
"If the mandate is accepted and the minister goes ahead with his plans we would carry out a series of one-day stoppages that would affect the whole transport system across the country," he said.
He said his members accepted the need for change to improve public services, but did not believe that privatisation was the right way to do it.
Meanwhile taxi drivers across Dublin were preparing to hold a major demonstration which threatened to disrupt the city's traffic tomorrow.
Up to 900 drivers were expected to gather in Phoenix Park at 1 p.m., before driving across the city to the Dáil where they will hand in a letter of protest.
They are demanding that the Government employs a regulator to oversee the industry, following concerns over pay.
Mr Tommy Gorman, president of the National Taxi Drivers' Union, said efforts were being made to minimise disruption caused by the protest.
PA