Tue 10 Oct 2000Airline disputes set to worsenAer Lingus has withdrawn cheap flight concessions from 400 catering staff over work stoppages yesterday in a move that brings the prospect of a major dispute significantly closer. Baggage-handlers, clerical staff and cabin crew are all preparing for strike action, while Aer Lingus pilots began a work-to-rule, also over pay, at midnight.The work-to-rule is not expected to cause serious disruption to flights for some days. However, many passengers, including those travelling premier class on transatlantic flights, had to make do with sandwiches yesterday because of the caterers' action. The company says it will refund a proportion of the fares for its failure to provide meals.