IRISH LIFE is to begin procedures today to dismiss staffs who are refusing to work under new management structures. The company will begin holding disciplinary hearings and will move to sack those who do not comply with the new structures.

The first 15 of the 430 staff who are affected are expected to face disciplinary hearings today. Dismissal notice will then be served as it is highly unlikely they will comply with the company's demands.

The dispute affected members of the field sales force staff who will meet tonight to review events. Their union the Manufacturing, Science and Finance union (MSF) will hold a meeting of all sales staff tomorrow to discuss what steps to take next.

No negotiations between Irish Life management and unions have taken place this week, but both sides say they remain open to further talks.