Airline staff step up row over privatisation

SIPTU workers in Aer Lingus have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action if Minister for Transport Martin Cullen presses ahead with his plan to privatise the airline.

Mr Cullen is set to bring his proposals for the part sale of Aer Lingus before the Government next week.

The company has indicated late June as a possible target date for the flotation of the airline’s share capital on the stock exchange. About two-thirds of SIPTU members at the airline took part in the ballot which resulted in a 94% vote in favour of industrial action.