Siptu is to seek more time from Aer lingus management to resolve the row over the introduction of new work practices.
Shop stewards met last night to review the situation after workers rejected a deal to introduce more flexible arrangement for some 1,800 ground staff which Aer lingus says will save €10 million a year.
In a statement issued late last night, Siptu said it has been agreed to write to management “seeking time for local negotiations to continue in all areas with a view to resolving outstanding issues as soon as possible”.
“Siptu members will continue working normally in the meantime and it is hoped that management will allow sufficient time for negotiations to conclude,” it added.
A deal on the work practices was agreed by management and union negotiators in February.
However, it was rejected by a three-to-one majority of workers in a ballot, results of which were released last week.
In some sections of the airline, particularly in Shannon airport, Siptu members voted almost unanimously against the deal.
Siptu claimed the company's failure to produce workable rosters in line with the proposals was a major factor in the rejection. The proposed deal averted a possible strike in February that could have affected up to 20,000 passengers per day.
Yesterday, Aer Lingus pilots voted in favour of a cost-saving deal that saw the introduction of new working arrangements.