Talks between Aer Lingus and its unions began under the auspices of the Labour Court yesterday. This followed two meetings on Thursday when the chief executive, Mr Michael Foley, met the president of SIPTU, Mr Des Geraghty, and the general secretary of IMPACT, Mr Peter McLoone, separately to discuss the implications of the cabin crew dispute.
IMPACT has served strike notice for next Wednesday, but the real deadline is likely to be tomorrow night or Monday morning, as the airline needs to give warning to intending passengers if services are to be disrupted.
SIPTU members have also balloted for industrial action but the union has yet to serve strike notice.
Developments in the Aer Lingus dispute will be covered over the weekend on the Irish Times Breaking News service at: www.ireland.com