SIPTU say they've no reason to be optimistic heading into talks with the HSE to try and avoid a strike by up to 10 thousand health workers.
They include porters, caterers and healthcare assistants - who are due to walk off the job next Thursday at 30 hospitals across the country.
They say the HSE has failed to give them pay rises - worth around 20 million euro - agreed through a job evaluation scheme.
Talks between both parties are underway at the Workplace Relations Commission.
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