Building and Allied Trade Union members in Dublin have been threatened with legal action if they do not end a sit-in protest at the organisation's head quarters.

Management has warned the union representatives they will face court action if they fail to leave the Blessington Street building by this morning.

It is understood the 18 union staff have staged the protest in opposition to General Secretary Paddy O'Shaughnessy, and have demanded the union opens its books to an auditor.

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The dispute originated from the alleged redundancy of two BATU organisers, in May, due to financial problems within the union.

Staff involved in the stand-off, which commenced yesterday, are also members of the Unite trade union.

The protesters said they would continue to occupy BATU's head office until their demands are met.

Union member Daniel O'Connell said that they had organised a roster, which will see a fresh team arrive each evening.

Mr O'Shaughnessy yesterday insisted that there is "no question" of him resigning, and noted that auditors had signed off on the union's accounts for 2007.

(PR/JM)