Aer Lingus pilot talks break down

THE loss of more than 1,000 Aer Lingus jobs now appears unavoidable after last-gasp talks between management and pilots failed to create an agreement.

Another intervention by the National Implementation Body was expected yesterday, but there was little hope that it could find a breakthrough as the sides remained as far apart as ever following yesterday’s 1am talks collapse.

“We offered Aer Lingus €33m in savings every year for the next five years which is the life of the plan,” said Evan Cullen, president of the Irish Airline Pilots Association. “That included a 10-15% headcount reduction, a 13-50% pay reduction in some areas and also we offered to address the deficit in our pension scheme. Aer Lingus rejected the offer.