Labour TDs draft motion calling for Aer Lingus jobs to be protected

Labour TDs concerned about any sale of Aer Lingus have drafted a Labour Party motion for tomorrow calling for an independent valuation of the airline and for jobs to be protected.

If passed at the party conference tomorrow, the move could apply pressure on Labour in Government to demand stronger guarantees if the IAG bid for the state’s 25% share in the airline is accepted.

The motion, obtained by the Irish Examiner, welcomes the Coalition’s decision last week to reject the IAG takeover bid.

It recognises the challenges that Aer Lingus has faced during the recession, September 11 and that it is now a “healthy company”.

But it goes further calling for any takeover to be rejected unless a bid represents the “true value” of the airline.

Furthermore, it says there needs to be a firm commitment in the form of a Registered Employment Agreement to protect airline workers’ conditions.

Moreover, it says there must be “meaningful, reliable and long term guarantees” on connectivity and the Heathrow slots.

Any new owner must also have a plan to promote Shannon and Cork airports and related businesses.

Labour delegates will vote on the motion tomorrow at the party conference in Killarney, Kerry.

REVEALED: Here's Labour TDs motion asking party to seek guarantees if Aer Lingus is sold. #lp15 See @irishexaminer pic.twitter.com/xU0NrvZD8h

— Juno McEnroe (@Junomaco) February 28, 2015