Dempsey calls for fresh talks in Aer Lingus dispute

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey is calling on both sides in the latest Aer Lingus dispute to restart talks in an effort to reach agreement on cost cuts.

SIPTU members have voted in favour of industrial action if the airline presses ahead unilaterally with a €74m cost-cutting programme.

Aer Lingus management walked out of talks on the matter several weeks ago and are vowing to press ahead with the cuts in the absence of agreement with the unions.

The company's plan could see up to 1,500 jobs lost through a combination of outsourcing, redundancy and early retirement.

Minister Dempsey is calling on both sides to use the State's industrial relations machinery to prevent any strike action in the run-up to Christmas.