Dublin Bus unions are hopeful that talks with management will be productive, as they enter their third day today.

They lasted for around eight hours yesterday and could continue for several more days.

The parties are trying to reach a compromise deal, between the 8.25% pay rise offered by management and the 15% requested by workers.

Siptu Divisional Organiser Owen Reidy says there is still a long way to go.

He said: “I hope that we can spend the time in a productive manner to try and move the matter on, but obviously there is a long way to go it is a work in progress and it is way too early to tell if a breakthrough can be made.

“But the fact that we are engaged in a process in the WRC itself is a positive thing so I think we just have to take it one step at a time.”