Talks aimed at averting a strike by Brinks Allied employees, which could freeze cash deliveries to ATMs along the east coast, have started at the Labour Relations Commission.
SIPTU security service branch secretary Mr Kevin McMahon speaking to the media outside Brinks Allied Head office in Clonshaugh.
Notice of a strike to begin next Thursday has been served on the company by SIPTU, in a dispute over health and safety procedures. The dispute has already disrupted cash deliveries to ATMs in Dublin and other areas of the east coast.
Neither side were prepared to comment ahead of today's meeting.The talks follow two previous failed attempts to resolve the dispute through conciliation.
Drivers at the company have been off the road for more than a fortnight because of the row, which followed an attempt by the company to introduce new security procedures. Workers said these would leave them more vulnerable to attack during armed robberies. Supervisors have continued to carry out some cash deliveries, but these would be likely to stop if the strike went ahead.
The decision to renew talks followed an intervention by the National Implementation Body, which called on the parties to "engage positively" with the LRC.
The Irish Payment Services Organisation has advised customers in affected areas to use Internet and telephone banking for checking account information, topping up mobile phones and paying bills online.
Customers with Laser Cards should use the Cashback service where possible.
SIPTU security service branch secretary Mr Kevin McMahon said Brinks Allied had said it would be prepared to attend another meeting to try to end the row.
He warned that the cash shortages at east coast ATMs would worsen and that if the strike went ahead the company could face closure.