The results of a postmasters' ballot on the possibility of pre-Christmas industrial action are expected later today.
The Irish Postmasters' Union has proposed closing all of Ireland's sorting offices for two days every week between now and Christmas as part of a dispute over pay and conditions.
IPU general secretary John Kane said the union was forced to threaten drastic action out of desperation.
"Management just doesn't appear to want to address the issue," he said. "They always want to put everything on the long finger. Most of the issues here are a month old if not years old."