Aer Lingus workers suspend strike

Strike action by Aer Lingus cabin crew and ground staff planned for next Tuesday and Friday has been suspended.
Trade union Siptu agreed to proposals by Irish government-appointed mediators to delay any action for two weeks for both sides to outline all grievances.

The union says new contracts for temporary staff would mean working more hours for less money. The airline says cuts are needed to stay competitive.

Shop stewards are to meet again next month to discuss any progress made.

The National Implementation Body's proposals included a freeze on changes to contracts while a new round of talks take place.

Aer Lingus recently narrowly averted a strike by pilots over conditions at the airline's new Belfast hub.

Cost-cutting plan

Management at the airline, which was privatised in September 2006, has promised shareholders it will finalise a 20m euros cost-cutting plan by the end of December.

Chief Executive Dermot Mannion has withheld planned pay rises across Aer Lingus' workforce because union leaders have refused to accept a plan to reform work practices, particularly shift and overtime rules.

Siptu, which represents cabin crew and ground staff, insists the airline is merely trying to cut employees' pay and benefits.

Source: news.bbc.co.uk