The trade union IMPACT says it is hopeful it can reach a solution with Aer Lingus in its dispute over plans to close its cabin crew base at Shannon Airport.

Both sides are at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) today in a bid to resolve the row. It comes after cabin crew voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action.

The dispute centres on new transatlantic flights from Shannon and the company decision to close its cabin crew base at the airport.

Management says it will have to outsource cabin crew on the new transatlantic fights from Shannon after the union refused to operate the flights with fewer crew members.

In response, IMPACT cabin crew voted 91% in favour of strike action earlier this week.

It is a prospect that the Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has described as "very disruptive" to passengers, ahead of the busy Christmas period.

Speaking on his way into the LRC, IMPACT Assistant General-Secretary Michael Landers said strike action will come to pass if there is no resolution - but he is optimistic.

Time is running out for both sides however, as the first of the new flights are due to take off from Shannon on January 6th.