Vol. 465 No. 6
268 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment his views on the concerns of Aer Lingus air hostess employees who have been requested to accept new work practices following an alliance with Delta Airlines; if he will intervene in this industrial dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10429/96]
I am aware that Aer Lingus cabin crew employees are concerned at the company's proposed arrangements arising from its alliance agreement with Delta Airlines. However, this issue is an industrial relations matter which ultimately will have to be resolved between the cabin crew employees, their representatives and the company.
The service of the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court remain available to the parties to assist them in finding a resolution to the dispute.
I do not consider it appropriate for me to intervene directly in disputes such as this. The Government established the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court to assist parties to industrial disputes to resolve their differences. It would, therefore, not be appropriate for Government to intervene in such industrial disputes, as this could only undermine the role of the dispute settling agencies of the State. I would take this opportunity to urge the parties in this dispute to continue their efforts to seek a resolution.
