IMPACT has said that the statement on Tuesday by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, recognises that the issues of job losses and connectivity are significant barriers to IAG’s proposed takeover of the airline.
Speaking at a briefing meeting with Aer Lingus staff representatives on Tuesday, IMPACT national secretary Matt Staunton said that Aer Lingus’ statement this week on operating profits and passenger numbers showed that the airline remains in a strong position as an independent airline, and a crucial element in Ireland’s transport infrastructure. IMPACT represents 1,800 cabin crew, pilots and office staff at Aer Lingus.
Matt said that the job and connectivity issues, identified by the Minister, reflected the concerns raised by the union about potential job losses, and the long term vulnerability of Irish routes to Heathrow.
Matt said that it remained to be seen if IAG can address these issues, and that the union was doubtful that IAG would move to do so. He said that IAG CEO, Willie Walsh, had already confirmed that jobs would be lost through rationalisation if the takeover was successful when he spoke to the Oireachtas transport committee two weeks ago.
State should retain stake - CRC
In a statement issued to TDs yesterday (Thursday 26th), the Central Representative Council (CRC) said the state should retain its 25.1% stake in Aer Lingus, and that the airline remains a “profitable, sustainable business as an independent airline.” The CRC, which is the democratic industrial body of unions within Aer Lingus, said it had “grave concerns” about the IAG bid.
