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)