{"id":17989,"date":"2019-05-03T15:32:58","date_gmt":"2019-05-03T14:32:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/unitelive.org\/?p=17989"},"modified":"2020-11-12T12:56:48","modified_gmt":"2020-11-12T12:56:48","slug":"unite-seeks-assurances-after-bombardier-belfast-sell-up-shock","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unitelive.test.igniteamt.com\/?p=17989","title":{"rendered":"Keep our jobs and skills plea"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The futures of nearly 4,000 key manufacturing jobs in Northern Ireland could be in now doubt following Bombardier\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s announcement yesterday (May 2) that the Canadian aerospace giant is to sell its aero structures division globally \u00e2\u20ac\u201c including all five production sites in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n

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Unite members were shocked to hear the news. \u00e2\u20ac\u015bThe announcement will come as a shock to the entire Bombardier workforce in Northern Ireland,\u00e2\u20ac\u0165 commented Jackie Pollock, Unite regional secretary in Ireland.<\/p>\n

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\u00e2\u20ac\u015bMany of the company\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s 3,600 employees will be left asking what this will mean for their long-term future of their jobs. Unite will be seeking assurances from Bombardier and the government around this process,\u00e2\u20ac\u0165 he added.<\/p>\n

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The Canadian firm is the largest local private sector employer. Workers build wings and fuselages for airliners. The prospect of a sale has reignited fears about the future of the firm\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s highly skilled staff \u00e2\u20ac\u201c and the loss of those skills to the region.<\/p>\n

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\u00e2\u20ac\u0098Disappointing\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister, Theresa May said the decision to sell was \u00e2\u20ac\u015bdisappointing\u00e2\u20ac\u0165 but added the plant\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s \u00e2\u20ac\u015bkey capabilities should enable it to continue to operate, albeit with different ownership.\u00e2\u20ac\u0165<\/p>\n

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Business secretary Greg Clark MP agreed, praising the \u00e2\u20ac\u015bexpertise and highly skilled and dedicated staff,\u00e2\u20ac\u0165 adding that it is \u00e2\u20ac\u015bone of the country\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s most important aerospace facilities, a vital asset in the UK\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s aerospace sector.\u00e2\u20ac\u0165<\/p>\n

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But it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s keeping the jobs within the area that really counts. \u00e2\u20ac\u015bIt doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t matter whose name is above the gate \u00e2\u20ac\u201c what matters is that we safeguard jobs and skills in this critical industry,\u00e2\u20ac\u0165 commented Pollock.<\/p>\n

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\u00e2\u20ac\u015bThe UK government must stand ready to ensure the retention of jobs and skills at these sites, Bombardier is simply too important to the Northern Ireland economy to allow anything less.\u00e2\u20ac\u0165<\/p>\n

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Pollock added, \u00e2\u20ac\u015bBombardier workers in Northern Ireland are among the most highly-skilled workers in the sector globally \u00e2\u20ac\u201c we produce a world class product here with a world-class workforce. Whoever the buyer is there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s an undeniable case for investment to not only sustain but expand production and employment into the future.\u00e2\u20ac\u0165<\/p>\n

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Bombardier said, \u00e2\u20ac\u015bWe understand that this announcement may cause concern among our employees, but will be working closely with them and our unions as matters progress and through any future transition period to a new owner.\u00e2\u20ac\u0165<\/p>\n

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\u00e2\u20ac\u0098We will cause hell\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Unite regional coordinating officer Susan Fitzgerald said that all that mattered was that workers had the security of employment. \u00e2\u20ac\u015bBy hook or by crook we will play a role in watching who is putting their name forward,\u00e2\u20ac\u0165 she told the Irish News<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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\u00e2\u20ac\u015bWe will be closely watching that and if we see rogue elements and people come in and asset strip or a take a blade to this workforce we will cause hell.\u00e2\u20ac\u0165<\/p>\n

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\u00e2\u20ac\u015bBombardier\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Northern Ireland workforce is world class and a global leader in aerospace. Unite\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s key priorities are retaining jobs and securing investment in any sale process,\u00e2\u20ac\u0165 Unite assistant general secretary for manufacturing Steve Turner reaffirmed.<\/p>\n

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\u00e2\u20ac\u015bI have spoken to the business secretary Greg Clark about securing commitments from Bombardier that it will retain its aero structures division in Northern Ireland if no interested parties come forward and expect to speak to Bombardier\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s chief executive soon.\u00e2\u20ac\u0165<\/p>\n

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He added, \u00e2\u20ac\u015bUnite is also in close contact with other global aerospace companies which could come forward as a potential buyer for Bombardier\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s aero structures. Throughout this process Unite will be working to ensure that Northern Ireland\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s proud tradition in aerospace continues to be a source for decent jobs for generations to come.\u00e2\u20ac\u0165<\/p>\n

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Hear Susan Fitzgerald on BBC Radio 4\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s <\/a><\/strong><\/em>Today<\/strong> programme (May 3)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n