The largest union in the State, SIPTU, has called on the ICTU to raise the Aer Lingus restructuring plan with the Government.

SIPTU's national industrial secretary, Mr Michael Halpenny, said Congress should raise the issue with the Government under the terms of Sustaining Progress.

He made his comments in the wake of the airline's decision to phase out short-haul cargo services.

"Not alone SIPTU but other bodies such as the Irish Exporters Association and individual firms have expressed concern about some of the measures proposed by Aer Lingus management," he said.

"A serious reduction in either short or long-haul freight would have serious implications for the regions and for the country as a whole, both socially and economically.

"Many investment decisions by foreign companies are predicated on the existence of the cargo links provided by Aer Lingus, especially in Cork and the mid-west," said Mr Halpenny.

He said concerns had also been raised in recent days over the airline flying remains back to Ireland. "There are concerns about issues such as the return of remains for families when relatives die abroad, where Aer Lingus had traditionally provided something more than the narrow, short-term commercial objectives which seems to be sole remit of current management," he claimed.