A meeting between management and union representatives at Waterford Crystal over proposed short-time working, has been adjourned until Monday.
The meeting was called following last night's rejection of the proposals by some 1,100 workers in the company's two plants - at Dungarvan and the Kilbarry facility in Waterford city.
The workers are members of the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union (ATGWU).
The company proposed that staff take seven weeks' unpaid leave between now and March of next year.
The aim is to ease off on production so that its existing inventory can be sold and manufacturing costs saved. The move is part of a 'root- and-branch' review of group business.
The company's chief executive, Mr John Foley had acknowledged the measures would cause "financial hardship" for the workers and their families.
"These measures will re-establish balance between supply and demand. The cash freed up by the reduction in working capital will be available for investment in marketing our brands and stimulating long-term demand," he said.
ATGWU regional industrial organiser Mr Walter Cullen said the workers have already complied with several restructuring agreements in recent years.
"The workers are critical of the lack of strategic planning in relation to sales and marketing and they want to see a 'credible' plan in place and receive guarantees about the security of their jobs before any agreement is reached." he said.
"The union now awaits a response from Waterford Crystal management to the members' mandate. We're hopeful of resolving it through agreement," he added.