SIPTU and Unite have agreed to stand down a planned 72-hour strike by members of the National Ambulance Service next week following what the unions described as "constructive discussions" with the HSE at the Labour Court yesterday.
Following talks this week, the Labour Court has requested that the industrial action next week, and a work-to-rule, be stood down to allow the process to conclude.
The work-to-rule, which began on 11 May, was stood down at noon today.
SIPTU Ambulance Sector Organiser John McCamley said that while the talks had been difficult and challenging at times, they believe that "significant progress" has been made.
"We remain in process, but the Labour Court has requested more time to deliberate on some of the issues in dispute," Mr McCamley said.
"We are hopeful that this process will bring this longstanding dispute to a resolution," he added.
Unite regional officer Eoin Drummey said: "The decision has been taken in good faith and without prejudice in order to give the process every opportunity to deliver a fair resolution for our ambulance members."
A 24-hour strike by frontline ambulance workers took place last week, with the HSE saying it a had a "significant impact" on services.
A planned 48-hour strike, which was due to be held this week, was stood down to allow for talks at the Labour Court.
Unions have accused the HSE of failing to implement the recommendations of an independent report on updating staff salary scales to reflect changes in responsibilities and workload.
The HSE said that previous proposals to resolve the dispute, that would have delivered pay increases, were rejected.
Unions said however that the proposals came with conditions, including changes to allowances, that were unacceptable to members.
The HSE said it welcomed the decision by SIPTU and UNITE to stand down the industrial action.
"The HSE has engaged extensively over the last week with the unions in intensive and constructive talks under the auspices of the Labour Court and we are grateful for their support in bringing us to this stage," a spokesperson said.
"We look forward to the publication of the Labour Court recommendations and bringing matters to a conclusion through the established industrial relations processes," the HSE added.
