An emergency motion calling on the Government to seek approval from the EU for a rescue package for Aer Lingus was passed unanimously by the conference.
Proposing the motion, Mr Sean Ryan (Dublin North) said some of the airline's difficulties predated the atrocity in Manhattan and were the result of inept handling of the company by the Minister, Mary O'Rourke. In particular, her decision to sell off Aer Lingus had undermined morale. SIPTU general president, Mr Des Geraghty, said the core jobs in Aer Lingus would have to be protected.
Saving them should be the priority of the Government. It would be a travesty if Aer Lingus, a part of the European aviation industry, should be allowed decline for want of State intervention, particularly at a time when the US was propping up its own aviation industry.
All that was being asked was Government support to ensure Aer Lingus could return to profitability.