Hundreds of workers in the Gem Energy Regulator are being fenced for strikes in a dispute over payment and jobs.
More than 700 members of the Union of Public and Commercial Services (PC) in Glasgow, London and Cardiff will vote in the coming weeks to launch an industrial action campaign.
The general secretary of PCS, Fran Heathcote, said: “Ofgem managers have been deliberately provocative in their treatment with us.
“Instead of driving through plaster solutions for the problems of the entire organization, they must reach an agreement with us before committing to the changes that risk industrial action.
“We are happy to work with Ofgem, provided we can assure our members that their interests will be protected.
“They must have the confidence to plan their future.”
A ofgem spokesman said: “We are disappointed to hear that the PCs have announced today that they will vote for their members about possible industrial actions.
“Around a third of the O ofge's workforce are members of PC and continue to interact with PC and staff on these important issues.
“As with the rest of the public sector, it is vital that we are as efficient and effective as possible for the homes and companies we serve, while ensuring ourselves to attract and retain the people and skills we need.
“We still hope to solve these problems without industrial actions, but if they continue, our priority will be to serve energy consumers in Britain.”
