Union 'hopeful' of resolving Aer Lingus cabin crew dispute

IMPACT said it is hopeful it can reach a solution with Aer Lingus in the dispute over plans to close its cabin crew base at Shannon Airport.

Both sides are at the Labour Relations Commission today in a bid to resolve the row, after cabin crew voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action.

Speaking on his way into the LRC, IMPACT's Assistant General Secretary Michael Landers said strike action will come to pass if there is no resolution, but he is optimistic.

"Because Aer Lingus have delayed negotiations for so long, and refused to negotiate … we are now in a position where time is closing in on us," he said.

"I'm hopeful we can get a solution today, or if not today, in the near future."

Management said it will have to outsource cabin crew on new transatlantic fights from Shannon after the union refused to operate the flights with fewer crew members.

Landers also claimed that the actions of Aer Lingus were illegal, and said the union was preparing a case with its solicitors.