DUBLIN: Unions at Aer Lingus say they are still not convinced by IAG’s takeover bid despite meeting Willie Walsh, reported Irish Times.
They say promises of job creation made by Mr Walsh were unspecific.
IAG chief Walsh was first to emerge from this morning’s meeting with unions at Dublin Airport this morning.
He described it as a “good talk”, despite union concerns over job losses at Aer Lingus HQ if the sale goes ahead.
IAG has promised to create 600 new frontline jobs in the long term if the takeover succeeds.
ICTU’s Liam Bernie says the 90-minute meeting was not enough to win them over.
“We haven’t heard anything today which changes our position, we are unconvinced that the shareholders should accept what’s on the table and we keep that position that we’re not convinced at all at this stage that the bid should proceed,” he said.
Mr Walsh admits the four main unions at Aer Lingus will still have questions – and he is happy to take his time to answer them.
“I’ve no deadline,” he said.
“I think, to be fair to Aer Lingus, the uncertainty is more an issue for the management in Aer Lingus, and I’ve been clear from the beginning – this is a friendly approach, we don’t want to do anything that’s in any way going to distract Aer Lingus.
“So I’m happy to wait and take time and address the issues that have been raised in a calm and constructive way.”
The sticking point over the future of the Heathrow Landing slots was not discussed by Walsh due to takeover laws.
Aer Lingus chief Stephen Kavanagh said that he is not concerned about the lack of progress.
He said the value of the bid for growth, connectivity, and jobs is clear.
“Ultimately it’s up to others now to reflect upon what has been communicated with them to continue to engage with us if further clarification is required,” he said.
“But ultimately the bona fides of the proposition and the value of the combination to all, I think, is becoming clearer.”
