MORE than 250 postal workers in the Island have until March 16 to decide whether to go on strike.
They will receive ballot papers from the Communication Workers' Union from February 18 so will have just under a month to make their decision.
The CWU is urging members to vote yes in the dispute over pay as it has accused Isle of Man Post Office of refusing to go to arbitration.
Terry Pullinger, CWU national official and lead negotiator with IMPO, said: "We've done absolutely everything we could to settle this and avoid a dispute, but there's just been no movement at all from the company.
"IMPO chiefs have stubbornly refused to offer a pay rise to the Island's hard-working postwomen and postmen, despite rising profits, and have even rejected our suggestion that the issue could be put to independent binding arbitration.
"The company really can't have it both ways; on the one hand, they say they're autonomous from government, and deny us the binding arbitration rights that the Manx public sector enjoys - but on the other hand, they claim that they can't offer a pay rise because of the government's public-sector pay freeze.
"Let's not forget that IMPO is an entirely self-sufficient statutory board of the IoM Government and, unlike other government departments, it receives no finance from central government and contributes 50 per cent of its profits to the Treasury.
"Against that backdrop, everyone benefits from the dedication and the profitable results of our members' efforts. IoM postal workers were promised and deserve their share.
"It's our members' hard work and dedication that has improved efficiency and increased company profits - so it's only fair that they should also be rewarded for their part in this success.
"I appeal to the company - even at this late stage - to start thinking outside the box and get back round the table with us and let's settle this now."
The ballot closes on March 16.
Isle of Man Post Office released a statement at the end of last month - before a ballot was confirmed - which said it was "disappointed" members of the CWU could be balloted over whether to take industrial action.
The statement said: "Throughout the pay negotiations for 2010, Isle of Man Post Office has made proposals including consolidating money into the long-term basic pay for its employees from elsewhere within the overall pay budget whilst ensuring the constraint of the freeze on public sector pay budgets is met.
"These proposals have consistently been rejected by the CWU, who have maintained their demand for new money to be added to pay.
"The Island is currently in a difficult fiscal position and all parts of the economy are feeling the strain.
"Isle of Man Post Office is not immune from this and is acting in a responsible manner by supporting the Island in the re-balancing of its budgets, while protecting the future prosperity of the Post Office, jobs and postal services.
"Isle of Man Post Office recognises its overall successful performance in the current economic climate, despite the well publicised decline in mail volumes.
"The traditional postal services are under pressure from electronic substitution, the downturn in the economy and fierce competition making the need to grow our diversified services more important than ever.
"The success of this is down to everyone involved including postal workers. These efforts are undisputed and much appreciated, however this does not change the position the Island finds itself in.
"The CWU has requested the pay claim be referred to arbitration for resolution.
"Unlike other pay groups on the Island, the Isle of Man Post Office and the CWU do not have an agreement to automatically use arbitration.
"It's the Post Office's view that arbitration is a potential route to circumvent the government pay policy.
"The CWU negotiator is based in the UK and throughout these talks has failed to demonstrate an appreciation of the Island's situation or the relationship Isle of Man Post Office has with government.
"The CWU negotiator has referred in the press on numerous occasions to an agreement to share the success of the Post Office and believes this forms part of some agreement.
"Whilst Isle of Man Post Office shares these sentiments and is keen for everyone to share in its success, this does not provide a guarantee for a pay increase year on year.
"Isle of Man Post Office has already witnessed adverse public reaction to the press speculation about industrial action during these pay talks, which has upset many people working within the business.
"Isle of Man Post Office is sure the majority of staff understand the economic situation facing the Island and accept the position the business is currently facing.
"It is hoped this is reflected in the outcome of any ballot.
"Isle of Man Post Office remains open to further discussions with the CWU at any time."
