Siptu is to begin balloting members in Aer Lingus over privatisation tomorrow, following the last of the general meetings with members in Cork this evening.
National Industrial Secretary, Michael Halpenny, has also written to TDs, senators and councillors today updating them on the situation and seeking their support for the campaign to keep the national airline in public ownership.
Mr Halpenny said Siptu was still waiting for clarification from the Department of Transport on the status of the formal request made by Ictu and the Aer Lingus unions to re-visit the issues of state investment and the Ictu State Holding Company Proposal.
Siptu also want agreement on how Aer Lingus plans to address a deficit of up to €250 million in their pension scheme.
'The irony is that in a week where Government Ministers are flying out, mainly by the National carrier, to promote the "Shamrock" in the best of all social, cultural and economic senses - they apparently intend returning to sell off the "Shamrock" (i.e. Aer Lingus) to the highest bidder," said Mr Halpenny.
'We have previously instanced the case of Air New Zealand privatised in the late 1980s, bankrupt in the 1990s under private ownership, rescued by the State at twice the price and now prospering in public ownership or the benefit of all the New Zealand people and the workforce,' he added.
The Minister for Transport Martin Cullen today said he didn't want to see any strikes at Aer Lingus and called for further talks.
"I have had a lot of engagement with the workers and I respect their point of view," he explained.
"We are both agreed on one core issue — that substantial funding is needed for Aer Lingus.
"This is the first time we've really had the opportunity to plan for growth as opposed to dealing with crisis plans.
"Investment from the private sector is vital so that Aer Lingus can operate in one of the most competitive and volatile sectors out there.
"I certainly would not want to see any strikes taking place at Aer Lingus. I have further meetings scheduled with the unions and I look forward to those engagements," Mr Cullen said.