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2008

SIPTU warns Government not to be suckered by Ryanair bid

Date Released: 01 Dec 2008

SIPTU members at Aer Lingus will conclude the ballot on alternative savings to the company’s outsourcing plan tomorrow. The union’s National Industrial Secretary Gerry McCormack said this evening that he thought the latest bid to take over the national carrier by Ryanair would have little or no effect on the ballot, except to make members even more determined than ever to defend decent pay and conditions within the aviation sector.

“Given Ryanair’s track record I think Michael O’Leary’s claims about fleet expansion and job creation will carry little credibility”, Mr McCormack said. “Even if his claims were credible it still raises the spectre of a monopoly position for an airline not noted for its concern for the public. Ryanair would end up dominating our peripheral, open island economy on the edge of Europe, with the travelling public, exporters and airport authorities, as well as the workforce, being held as hostages to fortune.

“Anyone who still sees Michael O’Leary and his board as some sort of modern day Robin Hood and his Merry Men needs a reality check. The only similarity is Mr O’Leary’s interest in getting his hands on the Aer Lingus treasure chest. He is offering €745 million for a company with cash reserves of €770 million, not to mention the Aer Lingus fleet, its Heathrow slots, infrastructure and staff, including the special expertise needed to operate effectively in the North American market.

“We will be calling on the Government and the EU Competition Commissioner, Nellie Kroes, to ensure competition and strategic connectivity are preserved for the Irish people.”





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