RYANAIR agreed yesterday to talks with trade union Forsa at a neutral venue in a bid to avert tomorrow’s strike action by pilots in the Republic of Ireland.

The notoriously anti-union budget airline originally insisted that negotiations should take place at its headquarters, but the union insisted on meeting elsewhere.

A 24-hour strike is due to start tomorrow after pilots voted overwhelmingly to take action in a dispute over procedures for the allocation of base transfers, promotions, annual leave and seniority.

Ryanair argued that those voting for the walkout represented just 27 per cent of the workforce, issuing the pilots an ultimatum that they had until 9am on Monday to inform the company what they planned to do tomorrow.

Talks were ongoing as the Star went to print.