Siptu members at Aer Lingus voted this evening to hold a ballot for industrial action over the proposed privatisation of the State airline.
While the door was left open for further talks with management, members backed the union's stance on the proposed privatisation.
Speaking after tonight's general meeting at Aer Lingus head office in Dublin airport, the union's National Industrial Secretary, Michael Halpenny said "We will now inform the company of our decision, and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. We will be making plans to begin balloting members next week. We remain available to engage in talks."
Siptu is the largest union at the state airline with 2,100 members, including clerical workers, cleaners, caterers and some cabin staff.
Earlier, Aer Lingus chief executive Dermot Mannion had requested to address the meeting, but members voted against giving him permission.
Impact, which represents 1,800 Aer Lingus staff staff - including cabin crew, pilots and middle managers - yesterday sought guarantees from management on a range of issues, including pay and pensions, for it to support any sell-off.
Given that they are higher earners, a Siptu spokesperson said Impact members would have more to benefit from any privitisation as they would have the financial means to increase their ownership in Aer Lingus.
Both unions met Mr Mannion yesterday to discuss privatisation. It is understood he outlined to them how some of the proceeds from the sale could be used to shore up the airline's pension fund which is facing a devicit of €336 million in the years ahead.
Siptu has already stated that it is opposed to privatisation of the airline.
The spokesperson said members have concerns over job security following any sale and that there were also strategic issues to be considered such as the fact that any future owner may decided to sell off Aer Lingus's valuable landing slots at Heathrow.
Such a move would effectively turn it into a feeder airline where passengers would have to travel through other European hubs to reach long-haul destinations.
He said tonight's meeting and a further meeting to be held at Shannon airport next Monday were intended to sound out the views of members of the union. Although it is possible a ballot could be taken on industrial action it was more likely this would be put to a vote at a later date.
