Nipsa has been holding meetings with members working across the health service and said they had given a clear message over their frustrations.
In its letter to healthcare members, Nipsa said workers should “not have to face increasing workloads, unsafe staffing levels, threat to jobs and continued cuts to vital services”.
The union said it was now progressing legal steps to hold the ballot, which will run from 21 October and close next month.
“Our members are telling us they have had enough of being asked to do more with less while services are cut, staff go unrecognised and pay issues remain unresolved,” Kelly said.
He added that workers are still waiting for the 2026-27 pay award, with many low-paid staff waiting for the Real Living Wage. He said there remains ongoing frustration around pay reform parity.