Workers at Ireland's 999 call centres have voted in favour of strike action.
Members of the Communications Workers' Union want their employer Conduit to pay a living wage of €11.50 per hour.
They're also calling for on the an end to disciplinary actions over issues such as the length of toilet breaks.
The workers will decide their next move tonight - and Ian McCardle of the C-W-U says that could mean taking action during the current election campaign:
In a statement, a BT spokesperson said:
“It is very disappointing that a trade union, which is not recognised by BT or Conduit, has decided to take this unnecessary course of action in relation to the vital emergency call answering service.
We are unaware of the details of the union ballot or the number of union members who plan to step away from their phones as we have only learned of this news from the national media.
Conduit Global has been working closely with its employees, who handle 999 and 112 calls, to understand their issues and they have implemented significant changes as a result of that direct dialogue.
BT has a robust contingency plan to operate the Emergency Call Answering Service and prioritise the protection and safety of the public first and foremost in the event of threats by this trade union.”
Elsewhere, Dublin commuters will have to rearrange their travel plans this week.
A two-day strike by Luas workers is to go ahead Thursday and Friday this week.
Workers are taking action in a dispute over their pay.
Another stoppage is planned for the same days next week.
