AER Lingus and staff unions will return to the National Implementation Body (NIB) this morning hoping the mediator has found some sort of formula which might avert two days of strike action next week.

A BALLOT on strike action by Aer Lingus pilots will be completed today and will be activated if the airline makes any attempt to implement new terms and conditions without their agreement.

AER Lingus could face strike action at the height of the summer holiday rush if it tries to push through its controversial Programme for Continuous Improvement 2007 (PCI07) by August 1.