Unions say Aer Lingus bid will see job losses

One in four Aer Lingus workers could lose their jobs if the airline is taken over by IAG, unions have claimed.

The Irish Airline Pilots’ Association, Siptu, and Impact issued the warning during a three-hour Oireachtas transport committee meeting yesterday, saying previous airline takeovers by the “predator” bidder show the job cuts would be on the cards if any deal is agreed.

In recent days, the Aer Lingus board has recommended to shareholders that they accept IAG’s €1.3bn offer for the Irish institution.