Aer Lingus expects to provide a normal schedule of flights today, although many of these may not have a full catering service because of industrial action by SIPTU, reports Padraig Yeates. However, some disruption of flight schedules is expected to begin over the weekend when SIPTU baggage handlers plan to "withdraw co-operation" from the company for limited periods.
Talks between SIPTU and the company broke down after two hours yesterday. The company offered to enter "meaningful negotiations" on longstanding pay claims if the union deferred its threat of industrial action by caterers and baggage handlers.
The union representatives reacted angrily to the failure of the company to put a firm offer on the table. SIPTU official Mr Dermot O'Loughlin said his members were "outraged at the company's suggestion to enter meaningful talks. It suggests the previous months of talk were meaningless and has made them more determined than ever to go ahead with their action."