Minister informed of Aer Lingus layoff plan - The Irish Times - Thu, Dec 10, 2009
The main point of this story is that Aer Lingus is looking to make about 25% of its entire workforce compulsorily redundant. Timing is Q1:10, just in time for potential trouble at BA!
Swap "Aer Lingus" for "BA", and "pilots" for "cabin crew", and there appears to be little difference in the two disputes. Aer Lingus are just a bit more desperate as, without the cuts, they will be broke within 6 months.
This story should concentrate minds in many airlines, not just the two noted here.