Menu
27/11/2003
Concern grows over Shorts strike
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Ian Pearson, has expressed his "concern" over the ongoing jobs strike at Belfast aerospace company Shorts.
Commenting on the latest developments in the dispute at Bombardier, the Minister said he was in regular contact with management and union representatives and that he had impressed on both sides the need to resolve the dispute as a matter of great urgency.
"Whilst both sides in this dispute may have valid concerns, these must not be allowed to damage further the reputation of our largest manufacturer," Mr Pearson said.
"This company is a key driver in the local economy. The dispute, furthermore, is impacting adversely on Northern Ireland’s international position as an effective business location for global companies."
The Minister said he had also briefed the Secretary of State, Paul Murphy on the current situation.
Meanwhile, South Belfast Ulster Unionist candidate, Michael McGimpsey, has called on the Labour Relations Agency (LRA) to intervene in the dispute. He said every effort must be made to avoid a "damaging stand-off" between unions and management.
On Wednesday Bombardier Aerospace again called for AMICUS and ATGWU unions to re-enter negotiations with the company at the LRA in order to settle the current industrial dispute as quickly as possible.
In a statement, the firm said they understood the frustration caused by a "very challenging" two years in which jobs had been lost. However, it said industrial action at this time would simply put more jobs at risk.
According to the union sources the action by around 4,500 employees, the majority of the workforce, is the result of a long-running dispute over pay and conditions, and a protest at recent jobs cuts at the aerospace manufacturing plant.
Union representatives say that they are angered by the company's attitude to the dispute and that the industrial action has been taken to impress on the management that the workers are serious on their stance over pay.
(MB)
Commenting on the latest developments in the dispute at Bombardier, the Minister said he was in regular contact with management and union representatives and that he had impressed on both sides the need to resolve the dispute as a matter of great urgency.
"Whilst both sides in this dispute may have valid concerns, these must not be allowed to damage further the reputation of our largest manufacturer," Mr Pearson said.
"This company is a key driver in the local economy. The dispute, furthermore, is impacting adversely on Northern Ireland’s international position as an effective business location for global companies."
The Minister said he had also briefed the Secretary of State, Paul Murphy on the current situation.
Meanwhile, South Belfast Ulster Unionist candidate, Michael McGimpsey, has called on the Labour Relations Agency (LRA) to intervene in the dispute. He said every effort must be made to avoid a "damaging stand-off" between unions and management.
On Wednesday Bombardier Aerospace again called for AMICUS and ATGWU unions to re-enter negotiations with the company at the LRA in order to settle the current industrial dispute as quickly as possible.
In a statement, the firm said they understood the frustration caused by a "very challenging" two years in which jobs had been lost. However, it said industrial action at this time would simply put more jobs at risk.
According to the union sources the action by around 4,500 employees, the majority of the workforce, is the result of a long-running dispute over pay and conditions, and a protest at recent jobs cuts at the aerospace manufacturing plant.
Union representatives say that they are angered by the company's attitude to the dispute and that the industrial action has been taken to impress on the management that the workers are serious on their stance over pay.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 April 2024
Minister Calls For Action To Address Decline Of NI Bird Of Prey
Department of Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister, Andrew Muir, has called for urgent action to address the decline of one of Northern Ireland's rarest birds of prey. A new DAERA part-funded survey has revealed that the Hen Harrier, a priority species in Northern Ireland, has declined by more than 26% since 2016.
Minister Calls For Action To Address Decline Of NI Bird Of Prey
Department of Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister, Andrew Muir, has called for urgent action to address the decline of one of Northern Ireland's rarest birds of prey. A new DAERA part-funded survey has revealed that the Hen Harrier, a priority species in Northern Ireland, has declined by more than 26% since 2016.
12 February 2024
Economy Minister Holds Meeting With Irish Minister For Enterprise
The Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has held a meeting InterTradeIreland's office in Newry with Ireland's Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD. Highlighting the importance of holding an early meeting with Minister Coveney, Minister Murphy said that the topic of discussion was "how we can prosper from the Windsor Framework".
Economy Minister Holds Meeting With Irish Minister For Enterprise
The Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has held a meeting InterTradeIreland's office in Newry with Ireland's Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD. Highlighting the importance of holding an early meeting with Minister Coveney, Minister Murphy said that the topic of discussion was "how we can prosper from the Windsor Framework".
14 February 2024
Health Minister Unveils New Women's Health Action Plan
Health Minister Robin Swann has unveiled a new Women's Health Action Plan, designed to "pave the way" for a longer-term comprehensive Women's Health Strategy.
Health Minister Unveils New Women's Health Action Plan
Health Minister Robin Swann has unveiled a new Women's Health Action Plan, designed to "pave the way" for a longer-term comprehensive Women's Health Strategy.
08 March 2024
DAERA Minister Calls For More Action On Household Recycling
Recycling must be an integral part of people's everyday lives regardless of where they are and what they are doing, if we are to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill whilst recycling more, said DAERA Minister Andrew Muir.
DAERA Minister Calls For More Action On Household Recycling
Recycling must be an integral part of people's everyday lives regardless of where they are and what they are doing, if we are to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill whilst recycling more, said DAERA Minister Andrew Muir.
09 April 2024
Economy Minister Highlights Key Role Of Social Enterprises
Social enterprises play a key role in growing Northern Ireland's economy, Economy Minister Conor Murphy has said. The Minister was visiting the IncredABLE Café @ South Lake in Craigavon, a social enterprise who are making a difference to the lives of people with learning/intellectual difficulties and/or autism.
Economy Minister Highlights Key Role Of Social Enterprises
Social enterprises play a key role in growing Northern Ireland's economy, Economy Minister Conor Murphy has said. The Minister was visiting the IncredABLE Café @ South Lake in Craigavon, a social enterprise who are making a difference to the lives of people with learning/intellectual difficulties and/or autism.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with long spells of sunshine for most, however eastern coasts will see rather more in the way of cloud at times, with just the risk of an odd light morning shower. Mainly light northerly winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains dry overnight with a touch of frost possible in places, although cloud is expected to increase towards dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
