(Reuters) - Starbucks ( SBUX ) and its union representing over 10,000 baristas have agreed to withdraw lawsuits filed against each other, the company said, a day after the two sides agreed to bring in a mediator to help resume stalled negotiations.

Talks between the two parties, which began in April, were halted in December before a final round, with the union saying the coffee chain had yet to bring a comprehensive package to the table.

Friday's decision brings the two a step closer to reaching a contract.

"We continue to work to reach agreement on a framework for single-store contracts," Starbucks ( SBUX ) said in a statement. The workers' union did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The union went on a five-day strike just ahead of Christmas, which closed Starbucks ( SBUX ) stores in multiple cities including Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle.