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2006

Aer Lingus ballot extended ahead of flotation go-ahead

Date Released: 12 Sep 2006

“In the Government’s rush to sell our national air line at bargain basement prices, it has proven predictably difficult to finalise a number of important local issues with the workforce and consequently we are having to extend the SIPTU ballot until next week”, the union’s National Industrial Secretary Michael Halpenny said this afternoon.

“Members need to be fully informed on the effects of the 2004 Business Plan on their working conditions and job security before voting.

“We still have major concerns over the decision to put Aer Lingus on the market when the only winners will be a few high worth individuals and share speculators. Even at this late stage there is an alarming lack of clarity on what proportion of the shareholding the state will retain, particularly in light of the Government’s repeated commitments to protect ‘vital national interests’, and how they intend to protect that share holding against future dilution.

“Another unresolved issue is the position of staff who transferred to SR Technics (formerly Team Aer Lingus). Aer Lingus has so far failed to acknowledge its responsibilities to these workers, in the provision it has made for pension indexation.

“In all, the desperate efforts by the Government, and by Aer Lingus management, to whip up investor enthusiasm is akin to putting lipstick on a pig, and with similar unseemly results.”





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