Hopes of averting another 24hour strike at Aer Lingus on Friday are receding, with no date set for a Labour Court hearing. The company may have to decide on cancelling flights by this evening.
SIPTU's industrial secretary, Mr Noel Dowling, said yesterday the union remained available for talks at short notice, but Friday's action would not be called off without an improved offer to put to members.
SIPTU is claiming "equity" payments to bring the working conditions and pay for more than 3,000 ground staff into line with those of 1,760 cabin crew.
The Aer Lingus director of corporate affairs, Mr Dan Loughrey, said there were significant differences between what was awarded to cabin crew and ground staff, and between clerical staff and general operatives, the two groups involved in the "equity" claim.