I only bring this posting as I'd like to comment that I think the unions are just trying to con Aer Lingus into submission.

DUBLIN (Reuters) - Irish state airline Aer Lingus says it has been forced to cancel most of its flights in and out of Ireland on Friday because of a 24-hour strike by 3,000 baggage handlers and check-in staff.

The SIPTU union, which represents back office staff as well as baggage handlers and cleaners, wants the same pay as cabin crew -- a claim Aer Lingus rejects on the grounds the union had struck a separate pay deal 10 weeks earlier.

Aer Lingus said it was extremely disappointed with the union stance and remained committed to talks aimed at resolving the dispute.

The union plans two other one-day strikes -- on March 30, April 6, and April 12 -- if it does not get its way.

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2001

Answers

So do you think the unions will win or will they get licked by the bosses?

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2001

This has been going on for some time, they've still been managing to operate most flights....

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2001

That's par for the unions course in the States. don't agree with management...go on strike. Even hospital workers have been known to strike, though they are required to give enough notice so management can cover for them re patient care and health, so it ulitmately does them no good whatsoever.

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2001

Just me and you so far Screach

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2001

it's believed the unions grievances are based on fallatiol arguments

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2001

HOT NEWS: HOT NEWS: HOT NEWS:

A spokesman said: "Something smells fishy".

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2001

They spit in his eye

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2001

I think you'd better explain this posting to Gav and Ciara. Even better phone them. They might prefer it orally. :o))

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2001

Allegedly, it would take too long for Gav, he's more of a direct action type of guy

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2001

OK fellas (and Ciara)......

The union plans two other one-day strikes -- on March 30, April 6, and April 12 -- if it does not get its way.

Now maths (and spelling) ain't my strong points, but even I got that one!

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2001

clearly this is just like the Simpsons and works at many levels (or strikes at many levels)

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2001

or comes at many levels ?!!!

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2001

It's that number thing that threw me. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. ;-)))

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2001

I thought the Oirish and maths was just a bit obvious. Obviously ITK's not - In The Know, that is - about other things. Such a sheltered life at the Beeb. Shudda gone to Channel 5 (or the chemists' for some of that cunning linctus for his throat).

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2001

Freudian Screacher?:

"So do you think the unions will win or will they get licked by the bosses?"

I seem to remember from my schoolboy Latin that "lingus" is indeed Latin for "lick", c.f. "I used to thin cunnulingus was an Irish Airline, until I discovered Smirnoff"!

;7)

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2001

Freudian, moi? Far too hard for me, that.

-- Anonymous, March 29, 2001