Aer Lingus cabin crew defer Monday's strike

Representatives of cabin crew employees at Aer Lingus have decided to defer Monday's one-day strike over pay while they consider…

Representatives of cabin crew employees at Aer Lingus have decided to defer Monday's one-day strike over pay while they consider a Labour Court recommendation issued last night.

The more than 1,000 staff staged the first of a planned series of 24-hour stoppages earlier this week, disrupting a number of mainly transatlantic air services.

Aer Lingus condemned IMPACT for failing to call off its work to rule. Last night the Labour Court conciliators made recommendations targeted at getting the latest strike called off.

These were considered by a meeting of IMPACT union officials who represent the cabin crew this morning.

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In a statement this afternoon IMPACT said the committee also noted the court's requirement for the company and union to finalise agreement on issues arising from previous Labour Court recommendations.

"The Committee will seek clarification of these matters before any decision is taken on the recommendation. This cannot practically be done before the planned one-day strike on Monday."

"The Committee also confirmed that members will continue to work in accordance with the terms of their contracts. IMPACT will seek meetings with the company and the Labour Court early next week."

The court's proposals centre on the cabin crew workers agreeing to co-operate for a three-month experimental period with procedures allowing for a faster turn-round of Aer Lingus planes at airports as part of the company's plan to transform itself into a low-cost carrier along the lines of its rival Ryanair airline.

That recommendation has been tied to improved pay rates. The airline management will consider the recommendation next week.