Talks between Siptu representatives and Aer Lingus management are resuming this morning in a bid to avert industrial action at the company. Progress was reportedly made at last-ditch talks which were adjourned late last night.
The dispute is over the implementation of changes to work practices which the union has warned could result in a protracted dispute after Aer Lingus management warned staff that they would be suspended from Monday unless they co-operated "unreservedly" with the changes.
Some 1,800 Siptu members, who are mainly ground operations staff, would be affected by the changes.
Talks were held last night after management invited union representatives to resume negotiations on Thursday night after the union warned that any attempt to implement unilateral changes would result in a "long and bitter" dispute.
A statement issued by Siptu in the early hours of this morning reported that 'some progress' had been made in the talks.
The airline is seeking to introduce new rosters with shifts of varying lengths, earlier starting times and the freedom to move staff between duties - for example from check-in to boarding - in the course of the shift.
Industrial action could affect up to 20,000 passengers daily.
Union sources said that recent management figures had indicated that staff could lose out in pay as a result of changes in shift allowances. There were also concerns about the "excessive" nature of some of the work practice changes, including 4am starts and changes in arrangements for breaks.
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