Aer Lingus sale sparks fears over job security

THE country’s leading trade union wants reassurances from the Government that Aer Lingus workers will not be adversely affected by the decision to relinquish a major part of the State’s hold on the airline.

Transport Minister Martin Cullen said the Government had agreed “in principle” to sell “a majority shareholding” in Aer Lingus. The Government would, however “retain a significant stake to protect the State’s key strategic interests in the national airline.”

The State currently owns 85.1% of the company, while the staff own the rest through through an Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP).