Aer Lingus workers ‘could go on strike’

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

SIPTU, which represents around two thirds of staff at the airline claims management aims 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' ad-mobile 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.

SIPTU branch organiser, Christy McQuillan, said: "Management plans 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."

Workers are concerned about job cuts and an erosion of terms and conditions if the airline is sold off.

Mr Cullen said on Tuesday that he would be engaging with unions soon.

Craft unions are set to ballot their members on industrial action next week.

Siptu branch trustee, Mick Sweeney, said: "People just want their jobs secured and that's all."

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

"Management has given us no guarantees on our jobs, whether it is privatised or not," he said.

Mr Cullen on Tuesday said substantial funding was needed for the 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 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 meetings scheduled with the unions and I look forward to those," he said.