The SIPTU trade union has voted overwhelmingly to participate in talks with the Government on a new national pay deal.
Over 500 delegates met in the Abbey Theatre in Dublin this morning. A mere 11 delegates voted against entering the talks.
As one of the largest unions, SIPTU's support for talks on a new national pay deal is seen as crucial before the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) can enter the talks.
ICTU's stance on the talks will not be known until next week, but there is mounting speculation that unions, employers, and the Government may not agree on a new format for the talks, which are seen by some to be outdated.