Industrial action at Aer Lingus has been postponed after Siptu said it intends to re-ballot members on work practice changes.
The airline had set a deadline late this afternoon for about 1,800 ground operations staff, who include baggage handlers, check-in personnel and caterers, to accept the terms of a new flexibility and mobility deal which was agreed between management and union negotiators in February.
Management had warned that if agreement was not reached today it would unilaterally begin to implement the new deal from tomorrow. Staff who didn't co-operate would be suspended and the airline said it would consider out-sourcing some of its existing ground operation services.
Staff rejected the deal by a three-to-one margin earlier this month.
Shop stewards from the union met earlier today to consider what progress had been made following discussions with management and asked the airline to give it extra time to hold a second ballot.
The airline agreed to the extension and the ballot will now conclude on April 25th.
Aer Lingus has already agreed work practice changes with pilots and cabin crew which are aimed at generating savings worth a further €10 million.