Aer Lingus has outlined to staff representatives a number of measures to cut costs at the airline.
The measures are contained in a document being posted to shareholders this afternoon in response to Ryanair's €1.48 billion takeover bid for the airline.
The airline has once again today urged shareholders to reject Ryanair's bid for Aer Lingus.
Today's briefing to employee representatives from management contained no mention of job cuts. It will be issued to all Aer Lingus employees early next week.
But management has put the airline under the microscope and identified 12 areas where it can become more efficient. And this will have knock on consequences for staff terms and conditions.
Management plan to bring in new contracts for employees which they say will be, in their words, in line with market standards.
They also want to simplify grading structures and rationalise overtime and shift payments for existing staff.
Aer Lingus says it will also seek more flexibility from staff in terms of their working hours and functions. They will be seeking improved productivity from air crews flying long haul routes.
It also plans to renegotiate its fuel and maintenance contracts.
The airline says it is considering new bases outside Ireland and that it plans to raise an additional €25 million next year from baggage charges, advance seat selection and other initiatives.
This evening SIPTU said management's proposals seemed excessive and it would seek further clarification.
Speaking before the announcement, unions said they wanted recent safeguards on jobs to remain in place.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio's News At One, Mr Halpenny said the company had agreed to a Charter of Commitments on job security, outsourcing and employment conditions.
