Planned industrial action at Co Kerry-based firm Liebherr Container Cranes will be deferred for a week after an agreement was reached between management and the union Siptu to enter talks.
Siptu branch organiser Donal Tobin said the agreement follows extensive discussions between the parties to agree a mechanism for talks under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission tomorrow.
"This will enable both parties to begin meaningful negotiations and if significant progress is achieved during this time, then industrial action can be deferred for a further period," he said.
"This compromise was reached with a view to finding a speedy resolution to all issues in dispute - the pension scheme, sick-pay scheme, management's change agenda and basic pay - in the interest of both the company and our members."
Mr Tobin said discussions on the closing off of the defined benefit pension scheme have been ongoing since 2004 Discussions on the other issues have been ongoing since 2005 "with no resolution in sight", he said.
Liebherr has been based in Killarney for nearly 50 years and employs around 450 people.