19/11/2008

Progress Possible In Aer Lingus Talks

The union for Aer Lingus workers has announced that some progress is being made in the crucial talks aimed at avoiding industrial action at the airline from next week.

SIPTU and Aer Lingus chiefs are trying to hammer out a deal in discussions arranged by the Labour Relations Commission over the airline's controversial €74m cost-cutting plan.

The former state airline said it needs to discharge up to 1,300 jobs through outsourcing and redundancy, but SIPTU believes the savings can be achieved elsewhere.

In a brief statement issued by the Union today, a spokesman said: "Talks on Aer Lingus adjourned at the Labour Relations Commission shortly after 11.00pm. Some progress has been made in evaluating alternatives to outsourcing jobs at the airline.

"The talks resume at 12 noon, tomorrow, Wednesday, November 19."

The union plans to take strike action on Monday if the company pushes ahead with its proposals in the absence of a deal.

(DW)

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