Aer Lingus Strike Averted

Late last evening officials at SIPTU decided to "sit and wait" as recommended by the National Implementation Body (NIB) - effectively calling off any strike action planned for next week. The NIB had recommended a two-week truce, to be used by management and unions to list all grievances and concerns in detail. It was also recommended that "a suitably qualified person" is to carry out a forensic analysis of Aer Lingus' proposed cost cuts and their effect on employees.

While this is good news in general, the volatile situation at Ireland's flag carrier might lead to pessimism ultimately. The two-week-period and the likely timing of any subsequent meetings and decisions would, in a very pessimistic scenario, bring the whole affair to critical mass (again) just in time for the Christmas travel rush.