Talks are to take place Friday at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in an effort to avert a Luas strike next month.

SIPTU representatives say they will attend the talks with the management of Transdev, the Luas operator.

The talks are aimed at finding a resolution to a dispute over workers terms and conditions of employment.

Staff have voted to conduct two 48-hour work stoppages during February.

SIPTU utilities and construction division organiser, Owen Reidy, said: "SIPTU representatives will enter these talks seeking a fair resolution to this dispute. However, any resolution will necessitate movement by the company on the crucial issue of workers’ pay".

The union claims Luas passenger numbers and revenue is up 25% over the last five years, while workers have only received a 2.5% pay increase.

And it says they have received nothing in addition to their salaries for working "unsocial hours or weekends".