SIPTU and Aer Lingus to hold further talks on sell-off

SIPTU is due to hold further talks with Aer Lingus management today over the planned privatisation of the national airline.

The Government is planning to sell off 60% of the company in a stock-market flotation later this year.

Management says the move is necessary to raise the funds needed to protect Aer Lingus' future.

However, SIPTU is vehemently opposed to the move and has served notice on the company threatened strike action if the sale is pushed through without a number of concerns being addressed.

The union is worried about job cuts, an erosion in working terms and conditions and what will happen to a massive deficit in the airline's pension fund.

Speaking ahead of today's talks, SIPTU spokesman Christy McQuillan said the union was hoping to assess the attitude of management and its willingness to address the worker's concerns.

"We're going to measure very carefully just exactly how the company comes to that meeting and how they demonstrate their sincerity in the agenda that really concerns our members," he said.