The Labour Court recommended negotiations over Aer Lingus's proposed changes to cabin crew work arrangements, in a dispute affecting just over 1,000 staff. Its recommendation, dated 14 February 2005, followed a referral under the Industrial Relations Act 1990.
The proposals covered crewing, time off, rostering and the withdrawal of some allowances. The Irish Municipal, Public And Civil Trade Union argued the changes went beyond normal ongoing change under Sustaining Progress. It was prepared to discuss productivity savings in a framework that included salary increases. Aer Lingus said cost reductions across its departments were needed to support its business plan and continued viability.
The Court accepted the union's view that the proposed Flight Services changes were not normal ongoing change under Sustaining Progress. It recommended that the parties negotiate through an existing facilitation process and work to reduce the list of proposed changes. Any issues left unresolved through that process could be referred back to the Court for a definitive recommendation.