Labour Court in last-ditch mediation bid to halt more Aer Lingus strikes

Labour Court officials will tomorrow try to mediate a resolution to the rostering dispute at Aer Lingus before the travel plans of tens of thousands of holidaymakers are thrown into chaos by strikes next week.

There are 70,000 passengers booked to fly with the airline next Monday and Wednesday, the two days nominated for 24-hour stoppages by cabin crew trade union Impact.

The invitation issued to the sides by the court last night made no requirement for the union to suspend the action before entering the talks. If the strike threat remains in place — and cabin crew appear in no mood to suspend it at this stage — time will be short for the mediation process to make progress before the airline will have to start hiring in aircraft and cancelling flights.