A threatened one-day strike at the EBS on Thursday over Christmas bonuses may be called off to allow for talks at the Labour Relations Commission.
However, it is not yet clear if the company will attend talks.
Around 300 general staff belonging to UNITE held a one-day stoppage in December over the refusal of the company to pay a traditional Christmas bonus worth on average around €3,000.
The staff were furious that managers continued to receive the "thirteenth month" payment, though EBS insists that is not a bonus, whereas the general employees' payment is.
The staff had threatened to hold a second one-day strike on Thursday, during which they would extend their pickets to AIB, which merged with EBS in July.
UNITE Regional Officer Colm Quinlan said the workers had accepted an LRC invitation to talks on Thursday, and would defer Thursday's strike for seven days to permit negotiations.
However, if management refuse to attend, the strike will go ahead as planned.
EBS management said they were considering the invitation and would confirm their position before 11am tomorrow.
