Union to air views on Aer Lingus sale plans
SIPTU will be making its submission to the Oireachtas today over the Government’s intention to sell a majority stake in Aer Lingus.
The Transport Committee will hear from SIPTU National Industrial Secretary Michael Halpenny and Aer Lingus Branch Secretary Christy McQuillan over the privatisation plans.
Trade unionists yesterday served notice of industrial action on Aer Lingus, threatening strikes if the company proceeds without agreement on issues of concern to staff.
Union members are said to be worried about job security, compulsory redundancies, pensions and ensuring their current shareholding is not diluted.
But in a gesture of goodwill Mr Halpanny said industrial action would not start until after the Easter period.
Two weeks ago the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport agreed a motion, proposed by Róisín Shortall TD, to examine and discuss with interested parties the future of the airline.
The Government announced on Tuesday it plans to sell a majority stake in the company, with work on the process to float up to 59.9% of it on the stock exchange beginning immediately.
It said the decision was taken to give Aer Lingus the commercial flexibility and financial muscle to compete and succeed in the global marketplace.
The Government currently owns 85% of the company and will retain a shareholding of at least 25.1%.
Staff own 14.9% of the airline, which employs 4,000 people and operates more than 30 aircraft serving cities across Europe, the United States, and most recently Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
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