Talks between Siptu and Irish Ferries are continuing at the Labour Relations Commission after passing a deadline for resolution in their ongoing dispute.
A deadline of yesterday had been set by the National Implementation Body for the talks at the LRC. Talks continued until around 2.00am this morning and the deadline was extended when agreement was not reached.
It is understood there has been no agreement in the dispute over the company's plan to replace seafarers with cheaper labour from eastern Europe.
The atmosphere at the talks have been described as 'tense.'
A spokesman for Irish Ferries described the past three days of negotiations as "tough". "Irish Ferries has an ongoing commitment to the industrial relations mechanism," he said.
Siptu members have balloted to strike from today over Irish Ferries' plans to replace up to 543 unionised seafarers with cheaper staff from Eastern Europe and re-flag its ships in Cyprus.
Officers have refused to sail the three Irish Sea vessels since the company began implementation of the plan a fortnight ago.
Thousands of workers are expected to march in cities and towns around the State tomorrow as part of a "national day of protest" called by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
Unions in the ESB yesterday called for a "maximum turnout" by members in support of the rallies.