Both sides must talk to prevent escalation of Aer Lingus dispute

I look with concern at the unfolding situation at Aer Lingus where staff unions are to hold a two-hour stoppage on Nov 19.

My understanding is that the unions are staging this walkout because Aer Lingus has walked away from the talks on addressing a pensions deficit.

If the DAA have come to some sort of agreement with its unions then Aer Lingus will have to do the same as one cannot be implemented without the other. If this situation is not sorted the action could escalate and cause damage. The Labour Court should intervene and issue an invitation to both sides for talks.

Given that the State has interests in both companies, the Government should bring about a meeting of both sides to bring this long-running matter to a conclusion. This situation has the potential to escalate if not kept in check with action spreading to the airport operator at Dublin, Cork and Shannon.

It is vital that the Government steps in now to prevent this from happening.

As a business person I could do without the uncertainty this situation brings.

I’m sure that Aer Lingus’ employees, the rest of the travelling public, and the employers feel the same way.

Mary Doyle

Carnew

Co Wicklow