Talks are due to take place at the WRC but no start date has been set.
Staff working in a number of midlands jobs clubs are being left in "a very difficult situation" over Christmas, according to the SIPTU.
The union has suspended its strike action at local employment services in Birr, Tullamore and Portarlington, which revolves around a dispute over the privitiastion of the services and the loss of local jobs.
SIPTU and the Department of Social Protection have been invited to exploratory talks at the Workplace Relations Commission.
Union organiser Adrian Kane says it's a welcome intervention from the WRC but explains to Midlands 103's Ellen Butler that they're not getting their hopes up:
Artemis II Crew Sets Record Distance In Historic Moon Mission
A Westmeath Student Accused Of Laundering Almost €200,000
Storm Dave Set To Arrive In Midlands On Saturday
Offaly TD Backs Grants To Tackle Housing Crisis And Boost Town Centres
Concerns Raised Over Eating Disorder Treatment Waiting Lists
Holidaymakers Urged To Book Early Amid Fuel Supply Fears
Live Register Figures On The Rise In The Midlands
PHOTOS: Mullingar Carers Concert
Gardaí Appeal For Witnesses To Westmeath Burglary
HSE Urges Midlands Patients To Use Injury Units Over Easter
Around €10k of Cannabis And Cocaine Seized In Laois
Irish Farmers Warn Not Enough Gov Action On Fuel Costs
Easter Bank Holiday Weekend Road Safety Campaign In Place
CAP Changes Could Jeopardise Farm Incomes - IFA
Niall Horan Tickets On Sale At 10am
€7m Cannabis Seizure In Midlands
Enterprise Minister Welcomes Creation of 400 Jobs
Stormy Easter Weekend Ahead For Midlands
Gardaí Investigating Midlands Prison Inmate Death
Offaly TD Wants Irish Aid Protected From Christian Persecutors