Aer Lingus management and unions are to attend the Labour Relations Commission for talks on cutting the cost base by up to €97m a year, following an intervention by the industrial relations group the National Implementation Body.
Last month, Aer Lingus announced that its transformation plan would feature savings from staff costs totalling €74m, including 676 redundancies, pay cuts, changes in work practices and new pension arrangements.
The airline is also seeking to raise a further €23m a year through other non-payroll efficiencies.
The deadline for local discussions between management and unions to conclude was tomorrow.
However, the National Implementation Body this afternoon recommended that both sides should avail of the services of the Labour Relations Commission for facilitated talks in an effort to successfully conclude negotiations.
It says that as solutions need to be found urgently to the current difficulties, talks should start no later than Monday, and be concluded as soon as possible.
The NIB will review progress on all the issues on Monday, November 30.
Aer Lingus has confirmed that it has accepted the inviation from the National Implementation Body to attend talks the talks.
In a statement, the company said it was focussed on achieving agreement with all staff groups in the week ahead.
