Fórsa members at Our Lady’s nursery in Ballymun, Dublin, are currently balloting for industrial action on a range of issues including attempts by their employer to insert new contractual provisions which undermines the job security of the entire workforce.

The nursery is a purpose-built childcare facility catering for children from four months to school age.

Fórsa has also raised concerns with the employer over inadequate consultation and negotiation on proposed changes to contractual terms, in addition to what officials describe as an “ongoing failure to resolve broader contractual concerns relating to sick pay, basic pay, and the allocation of annual leave and public holidays.”

The union’s organiser for the Dublin Health Cluster, Roland Kennedy, said Fórsa remains committed to dialogue.

“Nevertheless, it’s been several months since we offered to formalise arrangements for engagement. Members are understandably frustrated by the inadequacy of the employer’s attempts to deal with the substance of our dispute,” he said.

The ballot closes today (Friday).