Troubled Belfast aerospace company Bombardier Shorts was facing the threat of industrial action today after its largest trade union voted for a strike.
Members of AMICUS, who make up some 3,500 of the 5,500 workforce, narrowly voted for strike action in a dispute over redundancies and the introduction of new work patterns.
The union said the ballot demonstrated the depth of frustration among its members and that there had been a total breakdown of industrial relations.
However a senior shop steward said: "In the midst of all this we would still welcome further discussions with the company to avoid going down the industrial action route."
A spokesman for Bombardier Shorts described the vote as "deeply regrettable", saying it sent a strong negative signal to customers.
He too said there should be further dialogue before any industrial action "so we can find a way forward that protects jobs and the competitiveness of the company".
The union members were faced with two questions on their ballot paper - whether or not they supported strike action and whether or not they supported other forms of industrial action short of a strike.
Of the 3,450 members, 2,114 voted, with 1,051 voting for strike action and 1,027 against. There were 36 spoilt ballots. In answer to the second question there was a clear majority for some form of industrial action, 1,513 for and 586 against - with 15 spoilt votes.
Results of a ballot by T&G members are not yet in and GMB members have not been asked to vote.
PA