This article is from page 10 of the 2007-10-16 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
THE threatened stoppage which would have grounded all Aer Lingus flights from today has been averted after marathon talks in the Labour Relations Commission.
The pilots had threatened to down tools in a row over pay and condi- tions for staff at the airline’s new bases in Belfast.
The agreement, reached early yes- terday, still has to be voted on but union bosses have said they will be recommending the deal.
The package also provides a frame- work for the opening of future bases on local terms and conditions, ac- cording to Aer Lingus.
The deal was reached after more than 20 hours of continuous negotia- tions at the LRC.
The two sides have reached an agreement on pension conditions and promotions based on seniority for pi- lots at the Belfast hub.
Had the 48 hour action gone ahead, passengers bound for and return- ing from to New York and Chicago would have been stranded.
As he left the talks, Labour Rela- tions Commission Chairman Kieran Mulvey said it was up to both sides to consider the proposals.
Aer Lingus Chief Executive Der- mot Mannion said he was delighted with the outcome of the talks, par-
ticularly for passengers.
Michael Landers, Assistant Gen- eral Secretary of IMPACT, said on balance it was a deal which could be recommended to its members.
Meanwhile, Ryanair has comment- ed on the European Commission’s confirmation that it has properly re- jected Aer Lingus’ request to force Ryanair to sell its stake in Aer Lin- gus on the basis that Ryanair has no influence or control in Aer Lingus.
“Given that Aer Lingus has twice rejected Ryanair’s request for an EGM, it is impossible for Aer Lingus to claim that Ryanair have any influ- ence or control over them. We pre- sume this initiative was designed to cover Aer Lingus’ embarrassment at a current share price of €2.35, which is 20 per cent less than Ryanair’s of- fer of €2.80 almost one year ago” the airline said in a statement.
The statement continued “sadly, Aer Lingus passengers continue to suffer higher fares and increased fuel surcharges as a result of the EU Commission’s prohibition of Rya- nair’s offer for Aer Lingus, which guaranteed to deliver those passen- gers lower fares and to remove fuel surcharges.”