Impact/Ialpa/Siptu unions will talk and talk with AL management about changes in work practices with a view to lowering the cost base in the Republic until the 'cows come home'.
But they will not deliver and have no intention of doing so until they are forced.
Of course by going on strike they are shooting themselves in both feet because they are shareholders in their own company!
The Belfast operation is a separate operation and AL are entitled to set up there using conditions of employment which may be different to those in use in the RoI. If no Pilots or/and Cabin Crew join AL in Belfast then market forces will force AL to provide better conditions, pay etc.
Ialpa etc in the RoI operation are not helping their own cause with a 48 hour strike.
Now I must log on to the Ryanair site and book my Manchester flights in a few weeks time before the fares jump too high too quickly!