Shorts workers vote in favour of strike action

Members of the largest trade union group at Bombardier Shorts have narrowly voted in favour of strike action.

The ballot, by trade union group Amicus, called on members to vote on whether they were prepared to take strike action over the current jobs threat at the aerospace company as well as a recent change in afternoon shift patterns.

Of the 2,114 members who voted, 1,051 voted in favour of strike action compared to 1,027 who said no. Around 3,450 employees at Shorts are members of Amicus out of a total 5,500 workers.

A statement from Bombardier Shorts described the decision as "regrettable" especially at a time when "the aviation industry worldwide is striving to overcome major difficulties".

The statement added: "We also note that only a minority of the 3,450 Amicus members have voted to take industrial action and only 30.5% have voted for strike action, with almost the same number voting against strike action."

Shorts said any attempt to implement industrial action would only harm progress in reducing the jobs at risk.

However, Amicus union representatives said today's ballot demonstrated the depth of frustration among its members and that there had been a total breakdown of industrial relations at the firm - resulting in the vote.

Relations between the unions and Shorts have been tense. Last month negotiations between the two sides broke down after union members walked out of pay negotiations.

Around 1,000 jobs have been under threat at the company's Belfast base after employees rejected a proposed four-year pay agreement.

(MB)