SIPTU claims Aer Lingus row in 'a pretty dark place'

Aer Lingus has criticised SIPTU for releasing what it says are "wildly inaccurate" details about the process of resolving funding issues in its employee pension scheme.

Earlier, the union rejected offers by the Dublin Airport Authority and Aer Lingus to resolve a multi-million euro deficit for being too low.

A strike at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports was narrowly avoided on Monday after unions and management agreed to resume talks.

Organiser at SIPTU Dermot O'Loughlin said the threat has not gone away.

Mr O'Loughlin said: "The notice of industrial action was withdrawn as a consequence of us believing that we were going to enter a meaningful and realistic situation.

"But as a consequence of the suggestions and proposals they have put forward, we are in a pretty dark place."