Dunnes Stores workers at Terryland in Galway returned to work yesterday, ending their unofficial dispute, but pending a ballot on official industrial action.
Almost 200 members of the Mandate trade union walked out in support of a colleague who was suspended after she tasted food almost a week ago.
Welcoming the return to work, Mandate's industrial officer, Mr John Douglas, said the dispute "was caused by the company's refusal to allow the worker, who was appearing before a disciplinary hearing, to be represented by her union and her local shop stewards".
The voting on an official form of industrial action is to be carried out today and over the following two days. The outcome will be considered by Mandate's national executive committee next Sunday.
Staff who were suspended during the unofficial action had their suspension lifted on condition they return to work.
A decision on the ballot for official industrial action will be announced early next week.
