Limited pickets continued at Dublin Port today as workers prepare for an all-out picket next week.
The dispute centres on a decision by the company to suspend nine fitters and electricians and pickets were placed after talks between management and unions broke down on Monday.
A limited picket has been maintained since yesterday, with Technical Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU) officials describing the disruption as minimal.
In an aggregate ballot yesterday unions voted by 10 to one to support the TEEU dispute.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has granted an all-out picket from 7am next Tuesday ti which other unions such as UCATT, GMB, and the harbour and clerical sections of Siptu are likely to join. Union officials are hoping the delay may encourage the company to return to the talks.
"Hopefully it will give the company some time to reflect and get back to negotiating table," said TEEU regional secretary Arthur Hall.
The union says that its shore-based members were suspended for refusing work on board tug boats and to fill in for ship's crew when they are short-staffed.
However, the company claims the suspensions were implemented after the men refused to comply with it termed a "reasonable management request" to undergo additional training.