Staff and TDs to hold separate talks on IAG bid for Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus workers and concerned Labour TDs are due to hold separate talks as the Government awaits a stronger bid from aviation giant IAG on a takeover of the airline.

Labour TDs will today meet with officials from Aer Lingus as they decide whether to bring a motion relating to the state’s 25% ownership in the airline at this week’s party conference in Kerry.

Trade union Siptu said it hopes to meet with Aer Lingus management and IAG boss Willie Walsh in the coming days to raise concerns about jobs and changes if there is a takeover. But Siptu president Jack O’Connor said he did not know if it was possible for the union to back any IAG bid. The union wants assurances on the future of 1,500 jobs at the airline before it backs the €1.36bn bid for Aer Lingus.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan said any decision taken by the Government to agree to sell its share in the airline would be taken for “commercial” reasons.

IAG have yet to indicate what their next move will be and whether they will improve their offer.