SIPTU: We warned Government two years ago

THE Government was warned two years ago that the privatisation of Aer Lingus could lead to valuable Heathrow slots being sold, leased or allocated to new hubs, the SIPTU trade union claimed last night.

The union — which has 30,000 members in the Shannon Airport catchment area — said it was angry that it had been proved correct as predicted.

Joe Cunningham, SIPTU’s western regional secretary, said his office has been inundated with calls from workers in local and multinational companies who are fearful for their jobs.