Menu
01/10/2003
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)
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 February 2015
NI Unison Members Vote For Strike Action
Members of the union Unison are to go on strike next month. The industrial action involves those in health and social services, as well as schools and education sectors. 81% of members voted in favour of strike action, with 91.8% in favour of other industrial action.
NI Unison Members Vote For Strike Action
Members of the union Unison are to go on strike next month. The industrial action involves those in health and social services, as well as schools and education sectors. 81% of members voted in favour of strike action, with 91.8% in favour of other industrial action.
06 August 2015
Call For Free Vote Regarding Same-Sex Marriage
There are reports that two churches in Northern Ireland have called for the region's politicians to be allowed a free vote regarding same-sex marriage. It is understood representatives from both the Catholic church and Presbyterian church have said party whips should be removed on the issue when it is next debated at Stormont.
Call For Free Vote Regarding Same-Sex Marriage
There are reports that two churches in Northern Ireland have called for the region's politicians to be allowed a free vote regarding same-sex marriage. It is understood representatives from both the Catholic church and Presbyterian church have said party whips should be removed on the issue when it is next debated at Stormont.
31 January 2023
Firefighters Vote In Favour Of Strike Action
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Interim Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Andy Hearn, has said that he supports a pay increase for Firefighters an their right to participate in peaceful strike action.
Firefighters Vote In Favour Of Strike Action
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Interim Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Andy Hearn, has said that he supports a pay increase for Firefighters an their right to participate in peaceful strike action.
16 September 2019
NI School Principals To Vote On Strike Action
A number of school principals in Northern Ireland are set to vote on strike action. The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) union is balloting its members, including many local school heads, to gather support for industrial action. The ballot will be open for two weeks, closing on 30 September.
NI School Principals To Vote On Strike Action
A number of school principals in Northern Ireland are set to vote on strike action. The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) union is balloting its members, including many local school heads, to gather support for industrial action. The ballot will be open for two weeks, closing on 30 September.
01 September 2017
Swissport Workers At Belfast City Airport Set To Vote On Strike Action
Swissport workers at Belfast City Airport are to vote on whether to take strike action over the dismissal of a Union representative. Unite the union said they have served a notice on Swissport management informing them of an industrial action ballot. The ballot will open on 08 September and is to close on 27 September.
Swissport Workers At Belfast City Airport Set To Vote On Strike Action
Swissport workers at Belfast City Airport are to vote on whether to take strike action over the dismissal of a Union representative. Unite the union said they have served a notice on Swissport management informing them of an industrial action ballot. The ballot will open on 08 September and is to close on 27 September.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
