Bus Éireann has deferred the implementation of new cost-saving rosters for a third time to allow for further talks with unions at the Workplace Relations Commission on Monday.
There were fears that there would be disruption for passengers from this Sunday because final agreement had not been reached on implementation the new rosters, which were due to be rolled out across the country.
It is not yet known whether a further deadline for implementation has been set.
Bus Éireann said: "Unions have agreed to attend a conciliation conference on Monday. In light of this, we have agreed to defer implementation in consideration of those talks."
Earlier this year, Bus Éireann staff went on strike for three weeks over proposals for cost-reduction measures at the company, which at that point was losing €9.4 million a year and at risk of insolvency.
Part of the deal to resolve the row involved the implementation of new more efficient rosters, with drivers actually driving for 84% of their shift (around 5% more than previously), with a new composite rate of pay of €20.11 per hour incorporating certain premium payments.
However, finalising those rosters has proven problematic, with unions arguing that they impose undue hardship on staff, who could have to work shifts of up to 13 hours with inadequate breaks.
The rosters were due to be implemented across all regions on Sunday 30 October, but were deferred first to 12 November, and then again to this Sunday 19 November.
There have already been problems in the eastern region with pilot rosters, resulting in disruption to services.
Unions have blamed unworkable rosters but management points to a spike in absenteeism to 14%.
Both the National Bus and Rail Union and SIPTU had already warned Bus Éireann that they would ballot members for strike action if management attempted to unilaterally impose the new rosters this Sunday.
A Bus Éireann spokesperson said the company has had extensive consultation with unions since last May on the rosters.
She said that while the new rosters had come in, the "rotations" to implement them had not.
She also noted that the countrywide implementation date of 12 November had been agreed at a meeting at the WRC.
While unions had not instructed members not to work the new rosters on Sunday, it was unclear if staff in all depots around the country will have signed up to them by then.
If not, there could have been disruption to services from the weekend.
In a separate development, the National Transport Authority will tomorrow announce the outcome of a tender to open up Bus Éireann bus routes in Waterford to other companies.
Bus Éireann was entitled to tender for the routes, but if it loses out to private operators, it will face issues relating to surplus staff, buses and depots in the area.
