Passport applicants in Northern Ireland are facing a mid-summer logjam after processing staff today confirmed they would be staging a three-day strike next week.
Union representatives warned that the service would be severely disrupted during what is the busiest month for applications.
Around 120 staff at the Identity and Passport Office in Belfast will join colleagues across the UK on the stoppage over management restructuring plans.
The employees are the latest public sector workers to walk out over working conditions.
Earlier this week local government staff staged a two-day strike over pay while coastguard staff begin their own 48-hour action today.
The Maritime and Coastal Agency said an emergency service to all beach, cliff and sea users would be maintained despite the stoppage.
Meanwhile, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has reassured the public that its crew will continue to respond to emergency call-outs over the weekend.
PA