Jobs uncertainty slammed


Unions have demanded reassurances for Bombardier workers as the aerospace firm announced plans to sell its operations in Northern Ireland — where the Canadian aerospace group is one of the biggest employers with a workforce of 3,600.


It is selling off its aerospace operations in Belfast, Newtownabbey, Newtownards and Dunmurry. The company’s Moroccan operation is also being sold off.


In the past year, employees at the Northern Ireland site have already had to put up with uncertainty over the Trump administration’s tariffs and nearly 500 job losses.


Michael Mulholland, organiser for the GMB general union, said: “Bombardier jobs are absolutely vital to Northern Ireland’s economy and it’s time workers were treated with the respect they deserve.” 


The union expressed hope that any prospective new owner will commit to local production and bring forward expanded investment.


Jackie Pollock, Unite union regional secretary in Ireland said it doesn’t matter whose name is above the gate, so long as jobs and skills in the industry are safeguarded. 


He said that Bombardier workers in Northern Ireland “are among the most highly-skilled workers in the sector globally”. And he said whoever the buyer is, there’s an “undeniable case” for investment to not only sustain but expand production and employment into the future.


https://www.gmb.org.uk/news/bombardier-factory-sell-announced

https://unitetheunion.org/news-events/news/2019/may/unite-seeks-assurances-on-investment-and-job-security-for-bombardier-employees-in-northern-ireland

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/may/02/bombardier-puts-belfast-wing-making-plant-up-for-sale