Hopes of a breakthrough in the long-running jobs and pay dispute at Aer Lingus receded yesterday after signals from the company that it may not fully accept the Labour Court's recommendation to end the deadlock.
The court recommended earlier this week that workers should receive a 4 per cent pay rise in addition to the 10 per cent proposed as part of the national pay deal.
This was to be paid in addition to lump sums already offered by the company of about €4,000 for each worker, depending on length of service.
Prior to the Labour Court hearing, Aer Lingus had offered workers a 3 per cent pay rise while Siptu, the largest union representing workers at the airline, was seeking 5 per cent.
The union yesterday said the court's recommendation represented "significant improvements in pay and conditions"; however, it said, the company appeared to be setting "preconditions" on acceptance of the deal.
Aer Lingus said yesterday that it was still considering the court's recommendation. However it is understood that it is reluctant to move from its previous 3 per cent offer.
Siptu's national industrial secretary Michael Halpenny said last night he was seeking urgent clarification from the company of its position on the deal.
Mr Halpenny met Aer Lingus shop stewards yesterday but said it was not possible to proceed to a ballot until it knew if Aer Lingus would honour the terms.
The deal would secure workers' pay and conditions in advance of the privatisation of the company, which continues to be opposed by Siptu, due to get under way next month
The Labour Court also recommended that pension contributions be increased by 2 per cent from staff and by 4 per cent from the company.
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