The Labour Party has strongly criticised the reported plan by the Minister for Public Enterprise to sell Aer Lingus directly to another airline. Emmett Stagg said that Mary O'Rourke's switch from privatisation to a trade sale shows that she has no coherent strategy for the future of the national airline. He said that her failure to consult with the trade unions on the new proposals would anger staff and further undermine morale at a time when the airline is already experiencing major difficulties.
Earlier, the Union representing more than 2,500 workers at the company threatened industrial action in the controversy. Michael Landers, aviation official of the IMPACT union, said that the Minister for Public Enterprise had failed to consult the union on the possible sale of the company to another airline. Speaking on RTÉ radio, Mr Landers warned that the union would not tolerate such action.
However, Mrs O'Rourke, said that no decision had yet been taken on the trade sale of Aer Lingus. The Minister said that it would be unthinkable for her to try to move the airline into another area without discussing it with its employees. And she said that she would be meeting the unions following another meeting with her advisers. Mrs O'Rourke also said that industrial action would not be helpful.
The Taoiseach has said that he thinks the sale of Aer Lingus is more a long term issue as Mary O'Rourke has said. Bertie Ahern was speaking in Donegal. When asked about the workers views about lack of consultation, Mr Ahern said that the Government would not sell any State asset without full involvement and consultation.
