Aer Lingus management and unions have been sent proposals drawn up by the Labour Relations Commission to try to secure the future of the struggling airline.
According to the LRC, Aer Lingus staff will have to make significant changes in work practices and a "huge contribution" to solving the company’s financial crisis.
The chief executive of the LRC, Mr Keiran Mulvey, urged both unions and management to accept the proposals, which he said represented the best that can be achieved in the circumstances.
He said the proposals, details of which have not been released, will allow the board of Aer Lingus to continue trading. They also contain the "minimum flexibilities" required from staff, he added.
Aer Lingus said tonight that management would consider the financial and operational implications of the LRC’s proposals and their impact on the future viability of the airline. A report will be made to the Board tomorrow.
Over 1,000 permanent employees face redundancy at the airline, which said it is facing operating losses of up to £70 million this year.
