Aer Lingus management and unions are to hold talks at the Labour Relations Commission over the weekend in a bid to avert industrial action at the airline before Christmas.
The move follows an intervention by the high level industrial relations group the National Implementation Body, which met both sides yesterday.
The NIB has recommended that the LRC should contact both sides to explore the possibility of all aspects of alternative cost-cutting measures.
Aer Lingus has confirmed that it will attend the talks.
However, the company warned that by the end of the exploratory talks on 17 November it would confirm that the cost savings proposed are feasible and could deliver the required €50m cut in staff costs.
Aer Lingus reiterated the deadline of 30 November for final agreement on a programme of efficiencies and cost savings, and warned that it will proceed with outsourcing unless an alternative is found.
In a statement, it said it welcomed the assistance of the NIB in addressing the seriously uncompetitive pay rates and productivity levels at the airline.
Aer Lingus said average pay per employee has risen by 8% each year in the last 3 years, a situation which it described as untenable.
The airline added that it has had a very positive response from staff to its voluntary severance and early retirement scheme.
The commission is to report back this Monday to the NIB, which will then review the situation.
The NIB said that solutions need to be found urgently, but added that such solutions must offer long-term viability and stability for both the company and its workers.
SIPTU is vehemently opposed to the management's plan to outsource all ground operations and believes cost savings sought by the airline can be achieved through alternative means.
The NIB is of the view that there is a need to achieve a competitive standard in the airline, in order to ensure viability.
