Aer Lingus management and unions have made significant progress in agreeing around €10m in cost cuts at the airline, though further negotiations will take place in the new year.
In a statement issued this evening, the National Implementation Body gave a progress report on months of negotiation between the two sides over the company's plans to achieve staff cost cuts worth €20m through its restructuring programme.
It says research by independent advisors Grant Thornton confirms that there is reasonable justification for the labour cost savings sought by the company.
However, it is understood that those savings will be through mobility and more flexible arrangements, including at Shannon Airport.
Further negotiations to finalise details of those measures must be concluded by the end of January.
The remaining 10 million in cost savings will be sought from other grades including pilots, cabin crew and craft workers.
