IMPACT: Govt must retain long-term stake in Aer Lingus
IMPACT is demanding that the Government retain a long-term share of at least 25% in Aer Lingus following the planned privatisation of the national carrier.
The union says retaining such a share is vital to ensure that the airline continues to fly direct from Ireland to North America and key European destinations.
IMPACT officials told a meeting of the union's Aer Lingus branches in Dublin last night that tourism and inward investment would suffer if these routes were not safeguarded.
They said the Government had to ensure that the company did not fall into the hands of speculators with no interest in aviation or the economic future of Ireland.
IMPACT also wants Aer Lingus workers to be allowed to retain their 15% stake in the airline following privatisation, saying this, coupled with a significant state shareholding, should be enough to protect the public interest.
The union is due to meet Aer Lingus management later today to discuss the planned privatisation.
SIPTU is already balloting for the possibility of strike action if the sell-off is pushed through without proper consultation and IMPACT has not ruled out holding a similar ballot if it does not receive the assurances it is looking for at today's talks.
