Civil servants are being asked if they are prepared to strike over their pay, pensions and living standards.
The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) is holding a consultative ballot among its members across the UK over the cost of living crisis.
Another ballot would have to be held before any industrial action takes place.
The union, which represents workers in the civil service, including government departments, said it has made several demands, including a 10% pay rise, a cut in the working week and reduced pension contributions for its members.
Voting will start on Monday and run until March 21.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “Civil service staff who have kept the country going throughout the pandemic have suffered over a decade of real terms pay cuts and declining living standards.
“While the Prime Minister was busy having lockdown parties, our members made heroic efforts delivering Universal Credit, the furlough scheme and keeping ports and airports open.
“It is a gross injustice that members have had their pensions robbed and are expected to pay for ministers’ mistakes.
“This ballot is an opportunity for our membership to tell us whether they are willing to strike, and PCS will support them every step of the way.”
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