Dublin Bus management and unions have resumed negotiations aimed at averting potential industrial action at the company from Sunday.
Dublin Bus is seeking to address its deficit of €31m through a number of measures, including making 160 newly recruited drivers redundant.
It is also proposing to take 120 buses out of service reform work practices.
The company has proposed rehiring the redundant drivers as part-time drivers to cover weekend work, with the balance of their weekly wage topped up by social welfare payments.
However, both the National Bus and Rail Union and SIPTU have objected to the proposals.
Strikes by both unions scheduled for last weekend were deferred for a week to allow the talks chaired by Tom Pomphrett of the Labour Relations Commission to take place.
While sources reported some progress, all sides say they are a long way from an agreement.
Unions have warned that, from Sunday, if management proceeds with its threat to implement any of its cost-cutting proposals without agreement, drivers will take immediate strike action.
