SIPTU drivers in Dublin Bus are to ballot for strike action after they rejected proposals to cut their pay and reduce employment conditions.

It comes after they overwhelmingly rejected Labour Relations Commission-backed proposals which would have seen their pay cut and their conditions of employment reduced.

93% of SIPTU drivers rejected the proposed cuts in a ballot which was counted yesterday.

SIPTU Organiser is John Murphy. "It is the clear position of SIPTU members in Dublin Bus that they just cannot afford a further reduction in their pay and conditions of employment" he said.

"If the members vote in favour of strike action, it will only be implemented if management attempt to impose cuts to pay and conditions which are contained in a Labour Court recommendation that has been comprehensively rejected by workers" he added.

The union says representatives are still available to meet management to engage in negotiations.

SIPTU represents approximately 1,200 drivers in Dublin Bus. It says the ballot for strike action is expected to be completed next week.