An Post and the Communications Workers’ Union have decided to accept recommendations from the National Implementation Body to refer the dispute to the Labour Relations Commission.
The threat of widespread industrial action at An Post has receded following the decision.
The NIB proposals are aimed at defusing the row over the closure of SDS.
An Post has also agreed to lift the suspension of 68 workers who were removed from the payroll last Monday.
CWU General Secretary Steve Fitzpatrick said their acceptance was conditional on An Post's acceptance of the terms of recommendations.
It is now also expected that next Monday’s planned closure of SDS will be postponed.
Earlier, the National Implementation Body called on both sides in the postal dispute to suspend industrial action and lift suspensions to allow progress to be made.
