EIRCOM has avoided what would have been its first strike action in 30 years after the unions representing its 6,500 workers yesterday agreed to settlement terms mediated between company and workers at the Labour Relations Commission.

The Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan is urging both sides in the eircom dispute to use the State's dispute resolution mechanisms before taking any steps that might impact on its customers.

Eircom has said it is hopeful of resolving a dispute with unions over pay at a meeting tomorrow.