The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is to hold talks today to try and find a way forward in the Cadbury dispute.
Staff at the plant are on strike indefinitely, over the proposed outsourcing of jobs.
Workers are concerned it will set a precedent for future changes at the company.
Both the unions - SIPTU and Unite - as well as owner Mondelez have said they are open to talks, but remain deadlocked.
In a statement, Unite says the company's move to outsource 17 roles at its Coolock site will see a "move away from good permanent jobs to precarious work".
Around 220 members of Unite, as well as members of SIPTU, started indefinite strike action yesterday morning.
"The unions have put forward proposals which would achieve productivity improvements and cost savings with no loss of permanent jobs. We welcome the intervention of the WRC, and hope for a meaningful engagement", Unite regional coordinating officer Richie Browne added.
