Aer Lingus has reportedly issued a new deadline for acceptance of its cost-cutting plans by ground staff.
Reports this morning say the airline has threatened to suspend any staff who do not co-operate with controversial new work practices by next Tuesday evening.
The company's 1,800 ground staff voted by a strong majority last week to reject a deal on work-practice changes negotiated by their trade union, SIPTU.
The changes would have meant savings of €10m for Aer Lingus.
The airline has already agreed cost-saving measures worth another €10m with pilots and cabin crew.
However, the ground workers, who include baggage handlers, check-in personnel and caterers, have voted to take industrial action if management tries to implement changes unilaterally.