Industrial action at Aer Lingus has been averted for the next two weeks after management agreed to give 1,800 ground staff, belonging to SIPTU, 10 days to re-ballot on controversial new productivity reforms.
The cost cutting measures were emphatically rejected by staff in a ballot two weeks ago.
Management then issued an ultimatum to the union giving staff until 5pm this afternoon to accept the productivity deal or face the out-sourcing of certain ground operations.
Around 4pm, SIPTU contacted the airline seeking an extra 10 days to re-ballot members.
The airline has acceded to that request and the ballot will be completed by Friday 25 April.
The full shop stewards committee will be recommending acceptance on the proposals which have had some amendments during an intensive consultation process over the last two weeks.
As yet, it is unclear whether the re-ballot will deliver a different result under SIPTU's rules.
If even one of the 14 grades, no matter how small, rejects the proposals they would be rejected in their entirety.
