Cullen vows cabinet will discuss Aer Lingus concerns
Minister for Transport Martin Cullen has reportedly promised to discuss union concerns about the sale of Aer Lingus with his cabinet colleagues.
The Government is planning to privatise the national airline, but SIPTU is vehemently opposed to the plan.
The union is concerned about future job security and particularly the affect that privatisation could have on the company pension scheme, which is already facing an estimated deficit of more than €300m.
It also believes selling off Aer Lingus is unnecessary as the airline is very profitable.
Reports this morning said Mr Cullen had agreed to discuss these concerns with his fellow ministers in the coming weeks and had instructed Aer Lingus management to actively engage with unions on the matter.
He has also reportedly agreed to meet with the unions again after they have discussed the situation with management.
This morning's reports said the unions privately believed there was still a strong chance of blocking the planned sale.
