Union warns of holiday strikes at airline

Strikes could ground Aer Lingus flights during the peak holiday season if the Government’s privatisation plans go ahead, it was warned today.

Siptu, which represents around two-thirds of staff at the national airline, claims that management aim to have the company sold off by June.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Transport Minister Martin Cullen have agreed with Aer Lingus chief executive Dermot Mannion that a partial-flotation is essential to raise capital to upgrade its fleet of aircraft.

The union today launched a ’Keep our National Airline in Public Ownership - Say No to Privatisation’ admobile outside Leinster House.

The billboard is mounted on a flat-bed truck and will be travelling around Dublin in coming days.

The results of a Siptu ballot for protective action at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports will be known by the end of next week.

The union has 2,100 members among the 3,266-strong workforce at the airline.

Siptu branch organiser Christy McQuillan said: “Management plan to have the airline sold off by June and to begin the process by the end of March.

“Members are protecting themselves against that situation by voting for protective action up to and including an all-out strike. Work restrictions, on-the-job stoppages and overtime bans are all being considered.”

The workers are concerned about job cuts and an erosion of workers’ terms and conditions if the airline is sold off to private investors.

Mr Cullen said on Tuesday that he didn’t agree with strike action but would be engaging with unions in coming days.

Craft unions are set to ballot their members next week about whether to take industrial action.

Siptu shop steward Ger O’Rourke said: “Union members were fundamentally opposed to privatisation plans.”

Siptu branch trustee Mick Sweeney claimed staff have never been rewarded for all the sacrifices they made to make profits for the airline.

“People just want their jobs secured and that’s all,” he said.

Aer Lingus crew controller Aubrey Johnston said he and wife, Corina have worked at the company for over six years.

“Management has given us no guarantees on our jobs, whether it is privatised or not,” he explained.

Mr Cullen insisted on Tuesday that substantial funding was needed for the future commercial viability of Aer Lingus.

“This is the first time we’ve really had the opportunity to plan for growth as opposed to dealing with crisis plans.

“Investment from the private sector is vital so that Aer Lingus can operate in one of the most competitive and volatile sectors out there.

“I certainly would not want to see any strikes taking place at Aer Lingus. I have further meetings scheduled with the unions and I look forward to those engagements.”