The High Court will rule today on whether staff at the Tyndall Research Institute at UCC can hold a picket on the college's main campus this week.
SIPTU and the Irish Federation of University Teachers are holding number of days of industrial action, in a row over pay at the university.
UCC is asking the High Court to prevent the picket on its main campus on Wednesday saying it could interfere with students' exams.
Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan pulled out of attending the IFUT's annual conference on Saturday due to the dispute.