SIPTU and NUJ members employed by the ASTI trade union have voted unanimously in favour of taking industrial action, up to and including strike action, in a ballot counted today (Friday, 5th May). SIPTU Organiser, Peadar Nolan, said: “This result gives an unequivocal mandate for industrial action by SIPTU and NUJ members in this dispute. These workers had been left with little option other than balloting for industrial action following the repeated refusal of the management of the ASTI to engage in the WRC process in line with existing agreements and protocols. “This afternoon the WRC contacted union representatives in relation to the dispute. Both unions welcome the intervention of the WRC. However, the intervention must be in the context of engagement towards addressing the issues in dispute and we are at this point seeking clarity in respect of this matter.”