Aer Lingus management and pilots are considering Labour Court recommendations released this evening aimed at resolving the dispute which has grounded the airline. It was revealed today that the airline will remain grounded this Tuesday bringing to six the number of days the airline will have been grounded.
The Labour Court issued its recommendations following 11 hours of talks between the pilots' union IMPACT and company management yesterday which ended in the early hours of this morning.
On the controversial minimum rest periods issue which is of concern to the pilots, the Labour Court recommended that a 10 hour rest period between shifts would apply only in exceptional circumstances and for a maximum of 6 times per year.
It is understood that the proposals, drawn up by the deputy chairman of the Labour Court Mr Kevin Duffy, agree with the company’s insistence that the airline’s Survival Plan must be implemented in full.
The proposals also include a formula for days off, rest periods on transatlantic flights and early attendance for duty.
The proposal suggests the normal rest period for pilots should be 12 hours or the preceding duty plus two hours.
Both sides are now considering the Labour Court’s proposal and responses are expected later this evening.
Aer Lingus management said it was grounding the ailing airline's fleet until Tuesday was because it could not operate while the threat of strike existed, but pilots have described the decision as a "lock-out".
The pilots are protesting at the suspension of seven of their colleagues who refused to carry out new work practices proposed by independent consultants.
The company insists the new arrangements - part of an overall survival plan - must be implemented to save the airline. Aer Lingus is losing an estimated €2 million a day while the fleet remains on the ground.