Irish union SIPTU has asked SR Technics and government representatives why they have not been more forthcoming concerning four expressions of interest that have apparently been made for the maintenance company's Dublin operation.
Media reports in Ireland suggest that a joint bid from former SR Technics in Ireland chief executive Bernard Hensey and Setanta Sports executive Mark O'Meara has been tabled with the backing of investors from Irish supermarket owners, the Fergal Quinn family. Interest has also been reiterated by former Ryanair executive Conor McCarthy through his Dublin Aerospace company.
A further unnamed company specialising in auxiliary power units is also believed to have put forward its bid as well as an unnamed Canadian aviation enterprise.
SIPTU has expressed its frustration to SR Technics at "being outside the loop" in negotiations maintaining it should at least be involved in talking to the four potential bidders. A letter from SIPTU to SR Technics and the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) Ireland and circulating in the Irish press, notes: "We are frustrated at our inability to be informed of the identity of what is referred to as 'expressions of interest.'
"We believe we can provide meaningful and innovative contributions to enhance the success of those who wish to be a part of the industry."
Last week saw an initial 600 out of a total 1,135 workers made redundant at SR Technic's Dublin plant, while a further 400 posts are slated to go by the end of August. "Our worry is that everyone will be gone before the plant is taken over," says a SIPTU spokesman.
"The IDA and government promised we would be brought in but that has not happened. We feel we are outside the loop."
SR Technics' Dublin station handles aircraft and component heavy maintenance, including landing-gear and auxiliary power unit servicing.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
