The union representing workers at Dundalk forklift maker Cargotec has accepted an invitation to third party independent talks with the company.
It follows two separate days of strike action by more than 200 workers in a dispute over the transfer of the terms and conditions of some staff.
Unite said that Cargotec's invitation was without pre-conditions.
Its strike committee accepted the invitation and is going to "explore options to resolve this dispute in good faith".
The talks are scheduled to take place on the 23 March.
A spokesperson for Unite said: "We believe there is now the basis for meaningful engagement with the company, and we hope it will not be necessary to resort to further industrial action."
