Aer Lingus has issued a final appeal to TEAM employees to accept its £54.5 million offer so that Danish group FLS can take over the aircraft maintenance facility.

However, despite clarifying a number of issues recently and winning several key concessions on staffing and pay, union representatives were unwilling to predict the outcome of the vote last night. The unions will not be advising workers how to vote.

Up to 930 staff have until midnight to accept the offer to buy out letters of guarantee and the votes will be counted on Monday. The letters guarantee employees a job in Aer Lingus if anything happens to TEAM.

"To those of you who are still contemplating not returning your acceptance form, the consequences not only for yourself, but for your colleagues is very grim," Aer Lingus says in a letter to staff. It again warns that if insufficient numbers vote in favour of the deal, then Aer Lingus will begin winding down the company within two months. It reiterates that no more than 20 per cent of staff will be needed in the airline.

The letter focuses strongly on the commitments given by FLS, following meetings with union representatives earlier this week. This includes commitments on Partnership 2000 which includes a 4.75 per cent pay rise to be paid within 28 days of FLS taking over TEAM and early retirement for people over 55 on transfer.

Emphasising that the deadline will not be extended the letter says there may be some who feel they can defer voting until early next week, but they are mistaken.

The letter concedes that people will find it difficult to sever their connection within Aer Lingus. "There is no employment future with Aer Lingus," it adds.

It has been conceded by all sides that the offer will not gain 100 per cent acceptance. Although FLS, which last night insisted it would not be commenting before the vote, has said it wants 100 per cent acceptance, it is thought that 75-85 per cent will be enough to swing the deal.

See Current Account, page 4