The Labour Court has expressed concern that Aer Lingus management and unions have failed to agree or implement any cost-cutting and productivity changes recommended by the court seven months ago.
In a recommendation about the airline's cabin crew issued today, Labour Court Chairman Kevin Duffy says he remains convinced that the savings sought by the company are necessary to secure the future viability of the airline.
However, he says that change is best achieved incrementally, and has set out a process to implement change for cabin crew, potentially extending to June next year.
In his original recommendation issued last March, Mr Duffy acknowledged that the €20m cost-cutting package was necessary, saying unions should agree certain concessions.
He recommended a process of further negotiation between management and unions, saying they should refer outstanding issues back to the Labour Court.
Today's supplementary recommendation deals with issues arising from management's proposed rostering changes for cabin crew.
Mr Duffy notes, with concern, the failure to agree and implement any elements of his March recommendation, or to agree any monetary compensation for change.
He is strongly urging the parties to finalise their discussions, with a view to implementation.
IMPACT has welcomed today's Labour Court recommendation, particularly the court's backing of incremental changes.
The union has said in a statement that it is to seek a meeting with the Labour Court to discuss the implementation of the recommended changes.
