Talks will resume today aimed at resolving a dispute over job evaluation for support workers in the health service.
SIPTU representatives will attend the negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission.
Around 10,000 union members are still planning to strike Thursday in the row over a job evaluation process for support staff grades.
Support staff and chefs in 38 hospitals and health care facilities across the country are planning to take part in the 24-hour strike.
SIPTU says staff had undergone an independent job evaluation procedure under the Public Service Pay Agreement - which found that they are underpaid and should be shifted to a higher band.
They're now accusing the HSE and Department of Public Expenditure of "sidestepping" their obligations.
Talks aimed at resolving the dispute took place at the WRC last week, but adjourned on Thursday without agreement.
SIPTU spokesperson Paul Bell hopes the employer will bring something new to the table during talks today.
He observed: "We are running out of time in this dispute.
"As far as we are concerned, we've acted responsibility. The Government are in breach of a national agreement.
"Unfortunately, if we do not conclude a negotiation today, we will have no option but to determine and resolve our commitment to having a strike on Thursday."
Health care assistants, lab aids, hospital theatre workers, porters and cleaners are among the support staff who overwhelmingly backed this week's planned industrial action.
Hospital chefs were separately balloted and also voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action.
