THE National Implementation Body was yesterday given the unenviable task of searching for a resolution of the year-long dispute between Aer Lingus and its unions over its €20 million cost-cutting programme.

FOLLOWING a last-minute scare in the early hours of yesterday morning, Aer Lingus finally looks able to open its new Belfast hub with the blessing of its 480 pilots.

UNIONS at Aer Lingus yesterday warned that a company threat to implement a pay freeze will backfire.

AER Lingus cabin crew will decide next Friday whether to ballot their 1,500 members for industrial action over the airline’s decision to impose a pay freeze across the company.

AER LINGUS cabin crew yesterday told the company it will not allow them to cut its rest time on long-haul flights — and any attempt to force it through as part of cost-saving measures would be met with appropriate action.