The main Aer Lingus union IMPACT has reacted angrily to comments made by the Minster for Public Enterprise Mrs O’Rourke today that the national airline may be sold to another carrier as an alternative to a flotation.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Irelandprogramme this morning, MrMichael Landers of IMPACT, said Mrs O'Rourke had failed to consult the union on the possible sale of the airline.
Mrs O'Rourke, who was also on the programme, said she is considering selling Aer Lingus to another airline as an alternative to flotation.
Mrs O’Rourke said the current market environment would make a flotation difficult citing the tepid response to the recent flotation of Iberia, the Spanish national carrier.
"Aer Lingus is facing quite an uncertain future with regard to its operations," Mrs O’Rourke said."Profits will be considerably down this year" she added.
Mrs O'Rourke said consideration of a possible trade sale was at a very tentative stage, and there had been no discussions with any would-be buyer.
The Minister said she was planning to meet unions representing staff at the airline, who are unhappy at the prospect of a trade sale.