Postal workers' representatives met with Royal Mail

Both parties described talks held on Thursday as "constructive".

The meeting took place after the Communications Workers Union said it had authorised a ballot of its members in Belfast on official strike action.

Afterwards, the union said it was hopeful enough progress had been made to avoid a ballot being held.

Royal Mail said both parties "are equally resolved to moving forward".

"It was a constructive meeting and we have made good progress on selecting a third party to look at employee and industrial relations within Royal Mail in Belfast," the company said.

Thursday's talks had been arranged at the end of the unofficial strike action by postal workers.

The CWU has accused Royal Mail of going back on the deal struck last week to end the unofficial industrial action.

CWU spokesperson Eoin Davey said Royal Mail were refusing to give unlimited overtime to workers who were out on strike.

He claimed that postal workers who were out on strike were being "victimised" and "treated differently" from their work colleagues who did not join the action.

Workers at Royal Mail's depot at Tomb Street in Belfast began an unofficial strike on 31 January after staff alleged harassment by managers.

Royal Mail denied the claims.

The strike ended on 17 February when Royal Mail reached an agreement with the Communication Workers Union.