The Labour Relations Commission has invited management and unions at Aer Lingus to exploratory talks on Friday in an effort to resolve the dispute over cost cutting measures.
The move follows an announcement by the company of a five-week deadline for the implementation of changes to staff terms and conditions.
Unions say the imposition of such a deadline is an effective breach of recent agreements to negotiate for change.
SIPTU and IMPACT say they will begin balloting for industrial action if management attempts to introduce the changes without agreement.
Yesterday, the Chief Executive of Aer Lingus, Dermot Mannion, said he was confident agreement could be reached within the five-week deadline.
However, he stressed that the company was facing unprecedented challenges and could not delay in achieving cost reductions.
