The Communications Workers' Union (CWU) has agreed to temporarily suspend any further industrial action in its dispute with An Post.
The decision comes in response to the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Dempsey's invitation to direct talks with him and a request from the General Secretary of the Congress of Trade Unions, Mr David Begg.
Announcing the decision, CWU General Secretary Mr Steve Fitzpatrick said: "Following key consultations within the union and careful consideration of last night's helpful statement from Minister Dempsey, the CWU unanimously decided that it would accede to the Minister's request to meet him for talks next week."
Mr Fitzpatrick added: "In order to facilitate those talks, and to support the Minister's initiative, the CWU will suspend any further industrial action for the time being to help the climate of those talks."
"In carefully considering the Minister's statement, we have arrived at a balanced judgement that Mr. Dempsey is genuinely committed to breaking the current impasse over outstanding issues," he concluded.