Eircom has said it is quietly confident that an agreement about pay can be reached when it tables new proposals at a meeting with the Communications Workers Union tomorrow.
Members of the Communications Workers Union voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action over a 2% pay claim due to them two months ago as part of the national wage agreement.
Eircom has refused to pay the increase until staff agree to change their work practises.
The CWU says it is awaiting the outcome of tomorrow's meeting with the company before it issues strike notice.
Following that meeting, the CWU says it will consult with other unions at the company.
A decision about strike notice will then be made on Thursday.
It has not yet decided what form of strike action to take if it does go ahead.
Two smaller unions at Eircom have already balloted in favour of action.
If the strike goes ahead it will be the first at the company since 1978.
Eircom provides much of the country's telephone and broadband infrastructure. It is expected that a strike could cause significant disruption for private and business customers and the public service.
Eircom has said it is committed to paying the wage increase without seeking to reduce the terms and conditions of employment.
