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Brian Lawless

Unions split on new Aer Lingus letter: SIPTU: "Important" .... IMPACT: "A fig leaf"

The Dáil is preparing to vote on the sale of the government’s stake in the airline later today.

Updated at 10.50am

A GAP IS opening up between two of the main unions at Aer Lingus – after management at the airline wrote to the government last night with new promises on jobs and outsourcing.

The Dáil is preparing to vote on the sale of the government’s stake in the airline later after angry scenes yesterday that saw opposition politicians rail against the move.

Unions had raised concerns over redundancies and potential outsourcing at the carrier, in the wake of the Minister for Transport’s announcement, late on Tuesday, that the Cabinet had decided to accept IAG’s proposal to buy the State’s 25.1 per cent stake.

SIPTU said in a statement this morning that management at the airline had agreed to establish “a legally enshrined Registered Employment Agreement (REA) at the company” which would commit it not to pursue an agenda of outsourcing and compulsory redundancies.

The commitment was made in writing last night to Labour junior minister, Ged Nash, it emerged.

Welcoming the development this morning – SIPTU said it was ”important”.

Jack O’Connor, the SIPTU general president, speaking to RTÉ radio, also welcomed the move.

If the Dáil vote went through, and “it turns out that this letter doesn’t do what it says on the tin” the union would go back to Labour TDs before the deal was finally agreed to say “you’ve been misled”.

However, IMPACT has warned the letter is simply a “fig leaf” designed to “mollify” TDs who might be considering voting against the motion.

Spokesman Niall Shanahan said his union had written to all members of the Dáil today asking them to vote against the motion approving the sale.

Also speaking this morning, Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe said the government would be bringing the new legislation on Registered Employment Agreements before the Dáil.

“I believe if the Dáil vote was to take place at a reasonable time today that Minister Ged Nash, my colleague, could even be bringing that legislation [before the Dáíl] today,” Donohoe said.

“It will be enacted before the summer,” he added.

Asked whether the sale of Aer Lingus would go through before the agreements are ‘set in stone’ he didn’t answer directly, but reiterated “a legislative and legal framework” was being set up to move proceedings forward.

Aer Lingus CEO Stephen Kavanagh, speaking to Morning Ireland, confirmed he had written to the government yesterday to allay any fears about the deal.

Compulsory redundancies and outsourcing of jobs wouldn’t happen where savings can be made within the airline, he said.

“Outsourcing is not on the agenda” if efficiency is maintained, Kavanagh said – adding that efficiency was likely to improve if IAG takes over.

Read: ‘A stage-managed charade’: TDs are VERY unhappy about the Aer Lingus sale

Read: How Willie wooed the government on Aer Lingus – and what happens next

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49 Comments
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    Mute Eoin Comerford
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    May 28th 2015, 9:00 AM

    It’s lucky the country has Fianna Fail in the Dail holding the Government to account on this mess.

    Who sold off the other 75% of Aer Lingus by the way??????

    150
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    Mute Jason Bourne
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    May 28th 2015, 10:32 AM

    ‘FF’, ‘Holding’ & ‘Account’. Those three are riddled with irony.

    54
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    Mute Jason Bourne
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    May 28th 2015, 10:33 AM

    Pity you didn’t manage to find a way to put Bertie in there as well.

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    Mute Waddler Mooney
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    May 28th 2015, 11:19 AM

    I wonder how long these REAs will stand if the malevolent TTIP deal currently being negotiated in great secrecy between the E.U. and the U.S goes ahead?

    The Irish state whether governed by Fine Gael or Fianna Fail has always largely served the interest of domestic and international capital over the majority ordinary citizens. Fianna Fail bail out the bondholders and destroy the nation economically which opens up juicy opportunities for Fine Gael connected business interests to feed on the carcass such as the Siteserv deal. The sale of the government stake in Aer Lingus is just a continuation of the old ideolody.

    Another topical example is the TTIP deal enthusiastically supported by FG/Labour. The TTIP is being used as a Trojan horse to establish the poison pill of Investor State Dispute Settlement buried in the agreement the across the EU. ISDS is a mechanism to enforce corporate dominance over sovereign nations. For example the tobacco giant Phillip Morris (annual revenue of $80 billion) is currently suing Uruguay (GDP $53 billion) for daring to increase the size of their health warning on cigarette packets.

    Here’s one of the judges who sits on the ISDS kangaroo courts:

    “When I wake up at night and think about arbitration, it never ceases to amaze me that sovereign states have agreed to investment arbitration at all … Three private individuals are entrusted with the power to review, without any restriction or appeal procedure, all actions of the government, all decisions of the courts, and all laws and regulations emanating from parliament.”

    http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/04/us-trade-deal-full-frontal-assault-on-democracy

    IAG, Aer Lingus and the government will make a world of empty promises to get this deal over the line and fill the corporate pockets while they gouge profit from the rest of us.

    36
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    Mute Matt Donovan
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    May 28th 2015, 11:26 AM

    No Jason, as far as FF are concerned the words ‘holding’& ‘account’ merely refer to bank accounts which the ex Taoiseach who sold 75% of aer lingus ‘knows nutting about.’

    17
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    Mute Mr Phil Officer
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    May 28th 2015, 9:01 AM

    Will them promises be adhered to when the Dubai crowd take over IAG.

    67
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    Mute patjoejoe123
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    May 28th 2015, 9:05 AM

    nope

    40
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    Mute In The Name Of....
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    May 28th 2015, 9:11 AM

    Dubai can’t take over IAG. A non European airline cannot hold more than 49% of a European one. Check your facts before making false statements.

    55
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    Mute Jason
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    May 28th 2015, 9:20 AM

    The journal, gotta love it. Opinion (of the left usually) becomes fact and actual facts come to die.

    41
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    Mute Scott Crossfield
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    May 28th 2015, 9:26 AM

    Did a member of the Royal family say to a few people that the country she rules will vote in 2017 weather to leave the EU or not?

    25
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    Mute Mr Phil Officer
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    May 28th 2015, 9:28 AM

    Dubai crowd should read Qatar airways.
    Jason at least I have a position on issues, you just float around the articles shouting ‘looney leftists’ at everyone.

    41
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    Mute Mr Phil Officer
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    May 28th 2015, 9:34 AM

    Your way off topic there Scott.

    17
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    Mute Jason
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    May 28th 2015, 9:37 AM

    Phil, what you said is untrue. It can’t happen. I’ve opinions too, which I’ve expressed.

    19
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    Mute Mr Phil Officer
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    May 28th 2015, 10:00 AM

    Jason if the airlines are bought as a group, not as individual airlines, does that allow for it to qualify under the competition rules?

    15
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    Mute Mr Phil Officer
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    May 28th 2015, 10:28 AM

    I think I get your meaning Scott, were you implying that if the brexit were to happen would IAG be subject to European competition rules?

    19
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    Mute An Ciarraioch
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    May 28th 2015, 10:29 AM

    Jason – From your constant plagues of Comments , I feel that you would rather that only righwingers are entitled to a Voice ?
    Am I surprised ? – never – it’s a precursor to qualifying as a Fascist , isn’t it ?

    31
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    Mute Fiannaoicht
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    May 28th 2015, 10:51 AM

    Maybe only those that have a clue what they’re talking about should have a voice?

    11
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    Mute Dave barrett
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    May 28th 2015, 9:25 AM

    Don’t pay yr TV licence go to jail. Bankrupt the country and its ok .

    62
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    Mute patjoejoe123
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    May 28th 2015, 9:36 AM

    is there a law against going bankrupt?

    12
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    Mute Ciarán Masterson
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    May 28th 2015, 11:36 AM

    @Dave

    What has the TV licence fee got to do with this?

    12
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    Mute Brian Ward
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    May 28th 2015, 9:23 AM

    Unions telling workers that they have “legal” promises on keeping jobs is a bit like the captain of the Titanic telling everyone that their are enough lifeboats.

    56
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    Mute Joseph O'Regan
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    May 28th 2015, 9:23 AM

    What a bunch of disgusting corrupt criminals we have in Government. One of the largest indigenous companies in the country that is making a profit being given away to a multinational profiteer. …… This is wrong and it stinks of corruption.

    55
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    Mute patjoejoe123
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    May 28th 2015, 9:35 AM

    any evidence?

    16
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    Mute des walsh
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    May 28th 2015, 9:45 AM

    Pat joe, of course there’s no evidence. Facts and the journal comments section don’t mix. And yet the journal allow this rubbish to be presented as gospel

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    Mute Joseph O'Regan
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    May 28th 2015, 10:16 AM

    This Government is corrupt, plenty of evidence popping up every day.

    33
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    Mute justanothertaxpayer
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    May 28th 2015, 10:37 AM

    you realise the government is receiving over 300 m for ‘giving away’ their minority share? Not sure how your brain twisted that into some form of corruption.

    And make up your mind on profits… it seems you are fine with aer lingus making them, but not IAG.

    13
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    Mute Joseph O'Regan
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    May 28th 2015, 3:22 PM

    ” it seems you are fine with aer lingus making them, but not IAG.
    Exactly.

    5
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    Mute Jay Toner
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    May 28th 2015, 10:20 AM

    SIPTU rowing in behind their Labour paymasters there’s a surprise.

    54
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    Mute John Burke
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    May 28th 2015, 8:58 AM

    Dublin airport is set to become Heathrow run way number 3 enjoy your clear skies people it won’t last. Especially if on the flight path.

    36
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    Mute Paul Furey
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    May 28th 2015, 9:01 AM

    That’s great news for the country. Where did you hear that.

    47
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    Mute John Burke
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    May 28th 2015, 9:03 AM

    Airline expert on rte radio last night.

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    Mute patjoejoe123
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    May 28th 2015, 9:04 AM

    fantastic news :)

    24
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    Mute Jane Dwyer
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    May 28th 2015, 10:30 AM

    The ceo of city jet was on with Ivan Yates yesterday, he reckons it’s a great thing for aerlingus. He’s also an aviation expert.

    13
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    Mute Pearse Mc Mullen
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    May 28th 2015, 11:29 AM

    He is also a CEO, only interested in balance sheets, profit and loss from his viewpoint, He is an aviation expert from the money side of things,not from the perspective of employees, or those who are not out too squeeze and maximise profit and evryone else`s expense.

    13
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    Mute Jane Dwyer
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    May 28th 2015, 11:34 AM

    Aerlingus is a business, it’s the money side of things that matters surely?

    11
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    Mute Pearse Mc Mullen
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    May 28th 2015, 11:53 AM

    What i mean Jane, is that he, being a CEO wouldn`t focus on what was good for the country or employees in the long run, but he would be fully focused on what was good for the balance sheet for his company.
    Is a shame we are selling it. very short sighted.

    5
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    Mute patjoejoe123
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    May 28th 2015, 8:57 AM

    unions are only an issue if you acknowledge their existence

    32
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    Mute Waddler Mooney
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    May 28th 2015, 10:30 AM

    And yet Dunnes stores who don’t recognise the Union were recently forced to award a 3% pay rise to all their workers (union and non-union) after Mandate held a 1 day strike.

    http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/dunnes-stores-staff-to-get-3-per-cent-pay-increase-1.2209346

    24
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    Mute justanothertaxpayer
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    May 28th 2015, 10:41 AM

    Not to burst your bubble waddles… but the union were never even consulted with by Dunnes on the pay rise, and the 1 day strike was not about a rate increase, it was about the so called (but actually incorrectly titled) ‘zero-hour contracts’, and there has been no change on those.

    If anything, Mandate have strengthened the case for their uselessness through their actions.. the thing they tried to change didn’t change, and the only good thing the employees got was a complete surprise to the union themselves because they hadn’t even asked about it!

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    Mute Jane Dwyer
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    May 28th 2015, 10:58 AM

    Indo have a comparison graphic of AL, BA and Iberia in the website. Average wage in AL is 20,000 euro more than in BA and 8,000 more than Iberia.

    9
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    Mute Waddler Mooney
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    May 28th 2015, 11:31 AM

    Apparently you never tire of embarrassing yourself taxpayer, Jason or whatever else you’re calling yourself today !

    “The union said it had lodged a claim for a 3 per cent rise in mid April. It said that on Tuesday morning at in-store meetings across the country staff were told by the company that the increase would be paid.”

    http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/dunnes-stores-staff-to-get-3-per-cent-pay-increase-1.2209346

    7
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    Mute Joseph O'Regan
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    May 28th 2015, 10:08 AM

    Bullshitt

    12
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    Mute Ciarán Masterson
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    May 28th 2015, 11:39 AM

    State involvement in airlines is a thing of the past in Western Europe. Only countries run by the likes of Putin have national airlines that are still at least partly-owned by the Government.

    6
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    Mute Brian Ahern
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    May 28th 2015, 11:01 AM

    What do one-armed bandits at Heathrow Airport have to do with any of this?

    6
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    Mute John Grealy
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    May 28th 2015, 2:35 PM

    Aer Lingus will be taken over/sold over the next few years regardless what happens with IAG. There are mergers happening all over and in time, there will only be a few big airlines servicing each continent with all the smaller airlines gone. In Europe, there will be the IAG group, an Air France group and a Lufthansa group. I think I would prefer to be owned by an English speaking group that are our closest neighbours to be honest.

    5
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    Mute Robbie
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    May 28th 2015, 2:46 PM

    The talk of guarantees sought and fought for by government and registered employment agreements are mere smoke and mirrors to put a sheen of respectability on what as an ideological inevitability for this government. The sight of those responsible for selling this asset in the first place, Fianna Fail, acting out an indignant public posture is as nauseating as FGs attempts to dress this as being of public benefit. Unsurprisingly SIPTU regard the guarantees as positive despite the fact they should remember the guarantees previously given to Aer Lingus employess who became employees of TEAM. Remember the hollow guarantees given in the form of letters of comfort which unsurprisingly were ignored. The employess and the country are an irrelevance to the parties involved in this deal and the guarantees of government politicians and unions like SIPTU should be treated with the contempt they deserve.

    5
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    Mute Alan Corlett
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    May 28th 2015, 11:38 AM

    Shouldn’t that be “sell” instead of “vote”, to say vote would indicate that the sale might be stopped but as the FG & Labour have the majority and the whip the sale WILL go through…… All this ” voting” is just a charade.

    3
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    Mute @mdmak33
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    May 28th 2015, 2:26 PM

    Siptu sell out workers again,and they still keep contributing to the executives big salaries.

    3
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    Mute John Hartigan
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    May 28th 2015, 4:09 PM

    Discussion in the dail is a flicking joke and the public are worse if they do not complain

    2
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