Talks aimed at resolving a dispute that has today led to 25,000 workers withdrawing support from health service reforms are underway under the chairmanship of Government-appointed mediator Mr Phil Flynn.
Members of the Impact trade union are not opposed to the reform but are taking industrial action because of concerns about future terms and conditions after the wide-ranging changes are introduced.
The action takes the form of ceasing co-operation with the reforms but will not cause disruption to patient services.
Today's talks are not likely to lead to the end of the action today, a union source told ireland.com,but begin the process of consultation over workers concerns.
The union wants the Health Service Employers Agency (HSEA) to provide safeguards over service continuity, jobs and working conditions ahead of new health service structures due start taking effect at the beginning of January.
Among the much heralded, and controversial reforms is a plan to abolish regional health boards, replacing them with a single agency, the Health Service Executive.
Last week Impact national secretary, Mr Kevin Callinan said the action could lead to the reforms stalling, and that detailed safeguards were required before the action would be called off.
The union represents the health service managers and administrators charged with implementing and operating the changes, as well as thousands of health professionals and social care staff.
"We still have no sense that staff numbers will be protected in existing locations. We still have no firm guarantee that staff will not be forced to move substantial distances from their current workplaces. And we have no agreed framework for dealing with the many staff issues that will arise as the reform process unfolds," Mr Callinan said.