Talks between workers at ADM and management failed to reach any agreement yesterday and were adjourned until Monday.
It was hoped that the talks - the first between the two sides in the three month period - would resolve the situation and get the 74 Ringaskiddy plant workers back into production. Workers at the citric acid plant were dismissed after they refused to agree to new working practices.
Yesterday's meeting was called by management, who put a draft proposal on the table. However, according to union officials, the document failed to address the key issues properly and was sent back to management for clarification.
SIPTU's branch secretary, Mr Eddie Mullins, said: "We have to be optimistic, we waited for three months for discussions to take place. At least the process is now in progress and we have to hope that we can come to an agreement that is beneficial to our members and the company.
"They have been out of work since March 5th and we can only hope that the company can give us a date because our workers are ready to start back immediately. But we cannot send them back into the plant without knowing every aspect of the package which is being offered," Mr Mullins added.