Aer Lingus yesterday gave its unions details of a severance package to reduce the work force by 2,000 which could include compulsory redundancies.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and the Minister for Public Enterprise, Mary O'Rourke, met a delegation from the Congress of Trade Unions last night to discuss the crisis facing the airline. ICTU General Secretary David Begg complained that details of the survival package had been disclosed without consultation.
At the meeting, Congress stressed the importance of appropriate terms for those leaving the company and of an agreed approach to the re-organisation of work for those remaining. Representatives also highlighted the need for continued efforts to secure investment in the company.
It was agreed that the Government and Congress would keep in close contact in conjunction with the discussions continuing between Aer Lingus and the unions.
