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 sets out a process to implement change for cabin crew potentially extending to June next year.
In his original recommendation about Aer Lingus 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 could 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 strongly urges the parties to finalise their discussions with a view to implementation.
