Talks aimed at resolving a row at Aer Lingus over new cost-cutting proposals have been adjourned without agreement.
Unions are referring to what they have described as management's breach of existing agreements to the high-level industrial relations group, the National Implementation Body, for urgent consideration.
Leaving the Labour Relations Commission after the talks were adjourned, Aer Lingus chief executive Dermot Mannion said the airline would be proceeding with it's plans to alter terms and conditions for staff hired after this Thursday.
Unions will be holding a ballot for their staff for industrial action over the weekend.
Aer Lingus chief denies provocation of unions
Earlier, Dermot Mannion has denied union allegations that last week's announcement on changing terms and conditions for staff from next week was provocative.
The airline says costs are out of line with competitors but unions say the company has failed to negotiate with them and is in breach of existing agreements.
Speaking as he arrived at the LRC for talks with the unions, Mr Mannion said the airline had announced the proposed changes back in early December.
He said there was a lot of material to be digested but that he felt enough time had been left to deal with it.
The airline wants to introduce less favourable terms and conditions for new staff hired after 1 February and for existing staff from 1 March.
SIPTU representative Christy McQuillan accused Aer Lingus of tearing up the rule book. He warned that if the company was not going to play by the rules there would be a industrial dispute at the airline.
IMPACT official Michael Landers said the proposed changes would have implications for his members in terms of cash, leave entitlements and other conditions.
But he also warned that it would set a pattern for the future whereby the airline would feel free to breach agreements at will.
