Aer Lingus staff who are members of SIPTU are balloting for industrial action in anticipation of a possible confrontation between management and the union on Monday.
Ten days ago, management warned the union that if agreement was not reached on its programme of cost cuts by 22 February, they would begin unilateral implementation of new work practices on 25 February.
The union responded that any attempt to alter terms and conditions without agreement would be viewed as a provocative action.
The union had already balloted for industrial action last February, and describes the current ballot as a reaffirmation of the previous ballot to ensure it is still legally valid.
The result is expected on Sunday.
In a further letter to the union yesterday, management reiterated its commitment to completing negotiations by Friday.
Human Resources Head of Line Support Keith Butler says that they have submitted a 23-page Flexibility and Mobility Agenda, which they say contains the details on implementation of the €10m worth of cost savings sought from SIPTU members.
He says Aer Lingus has also given union representatives sample new rosters for sections including Catering and Cargo - and is available to provide further detail.
Because of this, the company sees no impediment to finalising agreement before next Friday.
Mr Butler warns that this will complete the negotiations that have gone on for 14 months.
He says no useful purpose would be served by taking part in further discussions either locally or through third-parties.
It is understood that SIPTU has already told the company that the Cargo division will be unable to finalise agreement before next Friday's deadline.
The company has warned SIPTU that if they fail to reach agreement by Friday, the management will commence implementation of the Flexibility agenda.
This will include changes in the length of the working day, break arrangements including teh cessation of unofficial breaks, and revised flexitime arrangements grade demarcation.
They also give the union 90-days notice of the termination of existing collective agreements relating to shift pay, roster duty allowances and overtime.
SIPTU Branch Organiser Theresa Hannick said the union had not yet received adequate rosters for a number of sections including cargo.
She said they had only received a set of principles regarding increased flexibility, but without adequate information about the implications of the changes.
She said the union has already contacted the Labour Relations Commission regarding a number of issues.
