Aer Lingus CEO steps up attempts to persuade unions to back takeover by IAG
Aer Lingus chief executive Stephen Kavanagh has renewed efforts to persuade Irish unions to back International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG)’s proposed takeover of the Irish national carrier, the Irish Independent reported. Kavanagh stressed that the deal would quickly create many more new jobs than would be lost.
Writing to the union Siptu, the CEO outlined the benefits he believes would be seen by both the company and its employees from significant growth opportunities arising from a sale of Aer Lingus to the Anglo-Spanish airline operator IAG. He also promised to back new binding contracts on workers’ pay and conditions, the report said, noting that this was an issue pressed by Ireland’s Labour politicians.
Owen Reidy, representing Siptu, described Kavanagh’s comments as “too vague”, the item reported.
Paschal Donohoe, the Irish Transport Minister, said IAG will meet with government officials today, 31 March, to discuss the potential sale of the state’s 25.1% stake in Aer Lingus. He said the discussions will continue to revolve around connectivity, access, jobs and company development.
Quoted in an Irish Examiner report, Donohoe said he expects the matter to be settled within a few weeks but declined to set a deadline for a government decision on the IAG bid.
An Irish Times poll showed that 54% of Irish people believe Aer Lingus should not be sold to IAG.
Source Irish Independent, Irish Examiner, Irish Times