IRISH Ferries management and the Seamen's Union of Ireland are to meet this afternoon at the labour Relations Commission for talks to avert a strike.
The union is opposed to plans by Irish Ferries to discontinue its continental service from the beginning of November until an undecided date next year.
Both sides met briefly at the company's offices in Dublin yesterday. According to the company, SUI representatives walked out after a few minutes. The general secretary of the SUI, Mr William Stacey, said the delegation left "because there was nothing to discuss".
Mr Stacey said the company had not put detailed proposals to the union, although members face lay offs in two weeks.
We find it very frustrating. We're very worried, but in the absence of any formal proposals from the company I can't talk to them and neither can my colleagues."
The SUI has served strike notice on the company from midday on Thursday. This only applies to the SUI members on the continental route.
But the union decided yesterday to begin balloting its members on Irish Ferries' Irish Sea routes, although these are not affected by the lay offs. This ballot will begin today and be completed over the weekend.
A spokesman for Irish Ferries said the company had outlined its proposals to the union in the letter inviting them to yesterday's talks.
The letter said the company was prepared to discuss all the issues arising from the lay offs, such as pension provision and competitive work practices. It also said the company was prepared to discuss alternative proposals from the SUI.
The spokesman denied claims by the Irish Ferries Workers Action Group that 200 permanent and temporary staff would be laid off over the winter as a result of the decision to discontinue the continental service. He said the number of lay offs was nearer 100.
He added that the company was proposing to provide a package that ensured staff received eight months' pay over the year, although they would only be required to work 17 weeks. This would provide ratings with a salary of £11,000 and ship's officers with £20,000 a year.
Ship's officers are represented by SIPTU, which is due to meet the company on Wednesday. It has served strike notice on the company for October 24th.