Aer Lingus strike threat lifted

Passengers no longer face a strike

The threat of industrial action at Aer Lingus has been lifted after management and union SIPTU reached an agreement on costcutting and work practices.

The airline has confirmed that it will operate a full schedule of services.

Aer Lingus had threatened to suspend staff if they failed to cooperate with new work practices being introduced without union agreement.

Aer Lingus chief executive Dermot Mannion said the airline and the union were in a "good space".

He apologised to passengers for the uncertaintly of recent days, after non-stop talks lasting almost 36 hours, and said the talks were never going to be easy.