The National Implementation Body (NIB) has intervened in the Aer Lingus dispute over cost-cutting plans and invited unions and management to talks which have been scheduled to begin tomorrow.
The NIB, the main troubleshooting mechanism under social partnership, has called the talks in an effort to avoid industrial action at the airline in the run-up to Christmas.
Yesterday workers issued notice of industrial action in a move which it is feared will cause major disruption to flights in the pre-Christmas period.
Both Aer Lingus management and Siptu have accepted the invitation to attend the talks tomorrow.
Siptu's national industrial secretary Gerry McCormack welcomed the development.
On Friday Siptu members at Aer Lingus voted overwhelmingly for strike action if the airline attempted to force through the highly controversial cost-cutting plan aimed at saving €74 million.
Aer Lingus is seeking to introduce nearly 1,500 job cuts through outsourcing, voluntary redundancy or early retirement.
As part of its cost-containment plan, Aer Lingus would eliminate its in-house check-in and baggage handling, cargo and catering divisions at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports. Staff in these areas would be offered a transfer to a new service provider or invited to take a voluntary redundancy package.
For cabin crew, Aer Lingus proposed closing bases in Shannon and Heathrow and offering staff transfers to Dublin or Cork.