Labour Court recommends Aer Lingus implement cabin crew special leave arrangements

The Labour Court recommended that Aer Lingus immediately implement the 2004/2005 In Week Special Leave arrangements for eligible cabin crew who had not been able to use them. The recommendation, dated 9 December 2004, also called for talks on a new part-time work agreement, with an independent facilitator and a deadline of 31 January 2005. The Irish Municipal, Public And Civil Trade Union said the existing arrangement was part of cabin crew contracts and that a compromise had been reached. Aer Lingus cited recruitment difficulties, operational pressures and declining revenue. The Court found the company’s 9 June 2004 offer was a bona fide agreement and said the union’s letter the next day did not justify rescinding it.