SIPTU outlines case against Aer Lingus privatisation

Privatising state airline Aer Lingus would be a major strategic error, Ireland’s largest union said today.

Ahead of the launch of a pamphlet by SIPTU setting out an alternative to privatisation, the union’s public relations officer Barbara Kelly said disposing of the airline would be like selling off the family jewels.

“Aer Lingus can remain in public ownership if the Government explores the available options,” she said.

The union, along with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions is launching a campaign today in Dublin to save the national airline.

SIPTU president Jack O’Connor and Congress general secretary David Begg will unveil the pamphlet which lays out the position for continued public ownership.

The pamphlet lays out options such as setting up a state holding company, which could generate income by selling 25% of the company’s shares to private pension funds.

SIPTU is urging the Government to look at examples, such as New Zealand, where the national airline was sold off and then had to be bought back at a high cost to the public.