A global engineering company based in Fife has agreed to take part in conciliation talks after strike action by workers fighting against cuts in redundancy pay.
Oceaneering announced in July it was looking to make around 120 workers at its Rosyth site redundant.
That sparked a dispute with affected employees over redundancy package levels.
Following an overtime ban and a 48-hour strike by members of Unite the Union, the company has now agreed to the involvement of the independent conciliation service ACAS.
Unite has welcomed the move, but confirmed a planned series of six-hour walkouts will still go ahead.
Workers downed tools on Wednesday, while further six-hour strikes are planned from 12.30am and 12.30pm on Thursday and from 12.30am on Friday.
Unite regional officer Ian Ewing said: “Our members are shocked and angry by the actions of the company.
“We are encouraged that ACAS will now be involved, but this week’s action will continue as a sign of the determination of our members to secure a fair deal.
“In 2015, Oceaneering made profits of over $231 million, and its chief executive made more than $7 million.
“Those profits have been made thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of our members, who accepted no wage rise in 2015 and 2016.
“The company should be giving these workers the respect they deserve.”
Unite members began a continuous overtime ban at Oceaneering in Rosyth on Friday September 2, followed by a 48-hour strike on Tuesday September 6.
Oceaneering provides engineering services and products, primarily to the offshore oil and gas industry.
Around 120 staff out of the workforce of around 150 are being threatened with redundancy.
