It follows the failure of attempts by conciliation service Acas to facilitate talks between Unison and employers, which the union blamed on employers' "inflexibility" in negotiations over pay, terms and conditions (YPN, 11-17 June, p3).
A ballot of union members last week attracted a 65 per cent turnout, with 82 per cent supporting strike action.
"We were optimistic about the Acas talks, but were let down by the employers who refused to acknowledge the main issues," said a union representative at the partnership who asked to remain anonymous. "We have been forced into this position through senior management."
Kieran Gordon, chief executive of Greater Merseyside Connexions, said: "Our improved compensation offer demonstrates our willingness to negotiate, and staff have claimed it's Unison members who have been intimidating them, not us."
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