Tomorrow's strike by crane operators has been deferred by their union Unite.

Unite said it was taking the step to allow for meaningful engagement at the Workplace Relations Commission in a bid to resolve the dispute over pay.

The strike is being deferred for one week.

The Construction Industry Federation this week wrote to Unite saying it was prepared to attend the Workplace Relations Commission in a bid to resolve the crane operators' dispute - but on certain conditions.

Director General Tom Parlon had said the CIF would attend talks if Unite lifted the threat of industrial action.

Without crane operators, much of the work on a site cannot proceed - and further disruption would arise from other construction workers refusing to pass the picket.