A final push is being made this week to resolve the dispute which has led to the month-long action by the crew of a Russian cargo ship docked in Waterford.
The MV Firyuza has become a feature of the landscape for motorists and pedestrians crossing Rice Bridge from the city, but a SIPTU official, Mr Tony Ayton, who has negotiated on the men's behalf, hopes the vessel will soon be sailing again.
Mr Ayton has put proposals to both the crew and Olmar Shipping, the company's owners, aimed at breaking the deadlock. Eight crew members are now at the centre of the dispute over the non-payment of several months' wages. The company has agreed to pay the arrears but issues remain to be resolved, such as where and when payment will be made, and deductions the company plans in the form of "penalties".
The company has also agreed to pay the cost of repatriating the crew to Ukraine, provided an "unrealistically expensive" route is not chosen.
While the pay talks inch towards a settlement, the atmosphere on board the ship is not believed to be improving.
Six Russian sailors brought in by the company since the dispute broke out have been locked out of the engine room by members of the existing Ukrainian crew.
Even if a settlement is reached, the company faces one final obstacle. The vessel has been detained by the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources since last Friday week, when an official from the marine survey office deemed it unseaworthy. Re pairs are understood to be under way.