TALKS to resolve the Aer Lingus dispute broke down early today after 14 hours. Both sides have agreed to refer the issues to the Labour Court, which is expected to hear the case within the next few days.
Meanwhile, normal working will continue by the 800 cabin crew involved in the dispute and the company will not activate protective notices for 4,500 core employees at the national airline.
After talks ended at 12.30 a.m. SIPTU official Mr Des Hughes laid that his members had "come fully prepared to reach a settlement. The company, however, came here unprepared to change their position."
Referring to the new working arrangements on the Dublin to New York route, he said the company "still wants Aer Lingus crew strength to be reduced from 11 to 10. They also want the Delta flag carrier to carry out all the functions of an Aer Lingus crew member.
"We, in an effort to facilitate the company, identified duties the Delta cabin crew member could do, such a boarding and disembarking passengers, serving champagne and orange juice in the premier class, making announcements, distributing Delta documents, monitoring economy class passengers and doing duty free services.
"That was not acceptable to the company.
"They want Delta cabin crew personnel to give a full service to all passengers. So the issue is now being referred to a full hearing of the Labour Court. We will be seeking a speedy meeting and in the meantime our action remains suspended."
The director of corporate affairs at Aer Lingus, Mr Dan Loughrey, said he simply wished to confirm that no agreement was reached and both sides were going to the Labour Court. He also confirmed that protective notices to staff remained in suspense while talks continued.
Meanwhile, the manager of corporate communications at Delta's headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, Mr Todd Clay, denied reports that the airline was reconsidering its strategic alliance with Aer Lingus because of the dispute. He described such reports as "pure speculation, at this point in time".
While insisting that it was inappropriate to comment on the dispute, Mr Clay said at was essential for the Delta member of the cabin crew be on board to provide a full service to Delta passengers.
In that respect, the agreement with Aer Lingus was no different from those with 13 other airlines in Delta's Worldwide Partnership.
Delta had block booked 40 seats on the Dublin to New York flight and, as far as the airline is concerned, it is "a Delta flight".
Mr Clay added that this was "good business relations for the companies and for the customers".
Aer Lingus cabin crews called off their work to rule late on Tuesday night to allow the talks to take place. The company "stood down" protective notices to staff in return.