SIPTU holds public meeting on Aer Lingus sell-off

SIPTU is holding a public meeting in Dublin Airport this evening to discuss its concerns about the planned privatisation of Aer Lingus.

The Government is planning a public flotation of the national airline later this year.

SIPTU members at the company have already voted in favour of strike action if the sell-off goes ahead without the concerns of workers being addressed.

The union is worried about possible job losses and an erosion in working terms and conditions, as well as a shortfall in the Aer Lingus pension fund.

Speaking ahead of tonight's meeting, spokesman Christy McQuillan said the Government originally proposed to invest €170m from the public flotation into the pension fund.

However, he said SIPTU had since been told that only €70m would be made available due to EU regulations.