Business group demands speedy Aer Lingus privatisation
A group representing businesses across the country is demanding that Aer Lingus be privatised as soon as possible.
Chambers Ireland says the move is necessary to protect the future of the airline by allowing it to raise the funds it needs to buy new aircraft.
The body has also criticised SIPTU members at Aer Lingus for voting to hold strike action if the Government presses ahead with the privatisation without consultation.
The unions are concerned about job cuts and an erosion in working conditions if the sell-off goes ahead.
They area also worried about what will happen to massive deficit in the Aer Lingus pension fund.
However, Chambers Ireland spokesman Sean Murphy said: "They balloted to give themselves the option of going on strike without hearing from senior managers as to what was needed and what had to be done to make long-term viability an option for Aer Lingus."
