Talks will resume at the Labour Relations Commission tomorrow in the row over privatisation of some bus routes.
The news comes as drivers at Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus prepare to down tools in the second of a series of planned strikes.
The Government and National Transport Authority want to see more competition for 10% of services around the country. However drivers are concerned about how this will impact their pay and conditions.
When unions held a 48-hour strike earlier this month over one million people were affected. The next strike is set to take place on Friday May 15th and Saturday May 16th.
General Secretary of the National Bus and Rail Union Dermot O'Leary says he hopes the LRC has good reason for calling them to the talks table:
Business group Chambers Ireland has welcomed the initiative by the Labour Relations Commission.
It said a speedy resolution is in the interests of consumers and the business community.
Fianna Fáil Transport spokesperson Timmy Dooley also welcomed the development - but says the Government needs to do more to bring about an end to the dispute:
In an interview with The Sunday Show earlier today, Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe said the Government needs to ensure the approximately €180 million invested each year in the service is being used wisely:
