Talks between Luas drivers and management have ended at the Workplace Relations Commission without agreement.

SIPTU the union representing drivers says the two 48-hour stoppages planned for next month will now go ahead as scheduled.

Union officials have said the talks made no progress, with management not changing their previous position.

“Unfortunately no offer was forthcoming,” said Owen Reidy of SIPTU.

“ The company’s position is as was so talks ended within a couple of hours and there are no plans for further discussions and the dispute that is planned for the 11th and 12th and the 18th and 19th of February look set to go ahead.

Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe has said that any strikes “ would cause disruption to tens of thousands of commuters within Dublin in any given morning or evening.

“It is imperative in the weeks that lie ahead that ... everybody get around the table and negotiates and deals with this,” he added.

The sides met for almost four hours today in the dispute over pay at the company, however there are no plans for further talks.

Prior to today’s talks the union had claimed Luas passenger numbers and revenue is up 25% over the last five years, while workers have only received a 2.5% pay increase.

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

The WRC has asked both sides to reflect on their position.