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:
Planning Permission Approved For New 800 Pupil Secondary School In Midlands
Annual Rose Of Tralee Tour Underway
Longford-Westmeath TD Urges Action On Vacant HSE-Owned Buildings
Taoiseach Backs Offaly Camino Proposal
Laois Pride Launch Writing Competition In Memory Of Joe Drennan
Laois Truck Driver Arrested For Driving Overweight Truck Under Influence
Offaly Business Closed Over Food Safety Breach
Gardai Continuing Laois Meadow Fire Investigation