Aer Lingus Cabin Crew Strike Called Off

D U B L I N, Dec. 14 -- A one-day strike by Aer Lingus cabin crew staff that would have grounded all the Irish state airline’s flights on Friday has been called off, union officials said on Wednesday.

IMPACT, a union which represents a majority of cabin crew workers, said it had deferred strike action pending a recommendation from the Labor Court mediation body which is examining workers’ pay demands.

The union had broken ranks with another union by threatening the strike during negotiations over pay.

IMPACT said the Labor Court was expected to issue a recommendation on pay and conditions in the next few days. Cabin crew would then be balloted on their proposals, it said.

Thousands of passengers were stranded in October when around 1,000 cabin crew staged a 24-hour strike which grounded Aer Lingus’ fleet. Unions and management have since been trying to resolve their differences.

Aer Lingus has faced industrial action from several fronts this year, notably from cabin crew, baggage handlers, caterers and clerical staff.

Workers are keen to pin down wage deals and improve working conditions ahead of the airline’s likely privatization next year, which is expected to value the carrier at up to $778 million.