Bus Éireann management and SIPTU have agreed to attend talks on Wednesday aimed at averting Friday's planned strike by around 220 school bus drivers around the country.
A spokesperson for the company said the management is hopeful that the dispute can be resolved.
The spokesperson added that any action would cause unnecessary disruption and inconvenience for school children and their families.
However, the spokesperson also stressed that the drivers’ claim has already been rejected by a Rights Commissioner and by the Labour Court.
SIPTU served strike notice on Bus Éireann on behalf of part-time school bus drivers.
While 90% of the school bus service is contracted out to the independent sector, Bus Éireann directly employs around 550 part-time drivers, with around 220 belonging to SIPTU.
Around 136,000 pupils a day are ferried to school by up to 4,000 drivers.
If Friday's strike by the 220 SIPTU drivers goes ahead, Bus Éireann estimates that up to 14,000 children may have to make alternative transport arrangements.
The union says the drivers currently earn €11.66p/hr and are guaranteed 21 hours of work per week.
However, they have no pension, sick pay or other benefits.
SIPTU says they are amongst the lowest paid workers in the public transport or education sectors - despite having responsibility for the health and safety of children.
They point out that school cleaners earn €13.99p/hr, school caretakers €14.38 and other Bus Éireann drivers have a pay scale running from €13.15 to €15.23p/hr.
