The union representing 500 pilots at Aer Lingus has welcomed the airline's plan to recognise the union at the new Belfast base but has said many other important issues need to be resolved.
A dispute over the airline's plans for the new Belfast base resulted in a threat by pilots to strike for 48 hours some weeks ago, but the stoppage was averted at the last minute.
Aer Lingus planned to offer different terms and conditions to pilots employed at the Belfast base to those based in the Republic.
It insisted that because the new base is outside the jurisdiction of the State that it was not bound to recognise existing employment agreements and pension arrangements.
In a letter to all of the 500 pilots yesterday, airline chief executive Dermot Mannion offered pilots based in the Republic the chance to move permanently, or on secondment for up to five years to Belfast.
Those who opt to move will have to accept local pay rates in Belfast but they will be entitled to retain membership of their existing defined-benefit pension scheme, according to a report in today's Irish Times.
Responding to the Aer Lingus move today, the Irish Airline Pilots' Association (Ialpa) branch of the Impact trade union said it was considering the detail of the letter to pilots. In a statement, Ialpa said: The company's recognition of Ialpa at the Belfast base is a welcome development, as is the company's willingness to facilitate transfers without a requirement to resign, as had previously been the case.
"While both of these developments are indicators of progress in the ongoing negotiations, many important issues remain to be resolved."
The statement added: "Following a period of internal consultation, Impact will respond to the Aer Lingus position paper, whereupon we feel it will be necessary for further negotiation in order to reach an agreement."