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Intervention by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) has been decisive in resolving a dispute that threatened to halt Aer Lingus operations because of disagreement between pilots and management over future terms and conditions of employment at Belfast airport. The willingness of chief executive Dermot Mannion to show some flexibility in these matters reflects well on his managerial style, while reassuring the public that competition and costs remain in sharp focus. It is important to note that settlement terms were put together by the LRC, rather than negotiated directly between the pilots' representatives and management, and that Mr Mannion secured the bulk of his objectives.

As is invariably the case in mediation, there was some give and take. Formal negotiating rights were extended to the pilots' organisation, Ialpa, a branch of Impact, at Belfast and at any other external Aer Lingus hubs. There was also agreement on promotional arrangements and transfers. But pay and conditions at such bases will be on local terms with separate pension arrangements.