No breakthrough yet in Aer Lingus talks
Today's emergency meeting of SIPTU's Aer Lingus' pension committee has concluded this evening as the threat of strike action still looms.
The committee met today to discuss an IBEC/ICTU plan aimed at resolving the ongoing dispute at the airline.
It is understood that Aer Lingus have put forward a number of recommendations to deal with the pensions deficit which SIPTU have said they are unhappy with.
Dermot O'Loughlin of SIPTU says because of this the industrial action for November 19 has not been called off.
"We assume that the talks would be to resolve the pension," said Mr O'Loughlin.
"But it appears Aer Lingus want to bring about a whole series of productivity measures to pay for these pension deficits.
"By a unanimous decision, the Aer Lingus committee felt that 'No, this can't be on'. So accordingly the full council of Aer Lingus representative meets on Monday, to discuss and decide on the recommendation of the pension committee."
An Aer Lingus spokesperson denied the union's claims, however.
"The requirement for employment cost stabilisation measures has been consistently stated by Aer Lingus in all of its statements," the spokesperson said in a statement.
"This requirement is not new and Aer Lingus' position in this regard remains unchanged."
The spokesperson also stated: "Aer Lingus stands firmly over its statement of yesterday (Friday November 9) that the company remains focussed on achieving a fair outcome that improves the pension prospects of affected members of IASS in a way that will balance the interests of all parties, including Aer Lingus employees and shareholders.
"Aer Lingus is seeking employment cost stability over the coming years and any new arrangements put in place by the company to improve the pension prospects of affected members of IASS, will therefore be linked to the strength of the commitment to stabilise employment costs."
