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01/12/2003
Talks continue at Shorts
Talks between management at Belfast aerospace company Shorts, and two unions representing the majority of workers are set to continue this week.
The negotiations follow on from strike action taken last week by the 4,500-strong workforce over pay and conditions.
The dispute has been ongoing for over six months between management and union representatives from Amicus and ATGWU.
Both sides met over the weekend but those talks ended, seemingly without resolution.
However, Shorts said today that it believed it had addressed the issues which unions said were the cause of the break down in relations.
Management said that the company's objective was to have full negotiations with all its unions to ensure "a long-term pay settlement that must ensure the company's competitiveness in a very challenging market place".
However, union representatives had claimed that it was company negotiators who abandoned last weekend's talks.
Bombardier, the Canadian parent company of Shorts, has been seeking long-term pay concessions as the sector continues to be badly affected by the slump in the aerospace industry.
The recent round of proposals by management are understood to have included a change in working patterns, introducing an afternoon shift that would have led to the loss of a more lucrative night-time shift.
Trade Minister Ian Pearson has expressed his "concern" over the ongoing saga saying that "whilst both sides in this dispute may have valid concerns, these must not be allowed to damage further the reputation of our largest manufacturer".
(MB)
The negotiations follow on from strike action taken last week by the 4,500-strong workforce over pay and conditions.
The dispute has been ongoing for over six months between management and union representatives from Amicus and ATGWU.
Both sides met over the weekend but those talks ended, seemingly without resolution.
However, Shorts said today that it believed it had addressed the issues which unions said were the cause of the break down in relations.
Management said that the company's objective was to have full negotiations with all its unions to ensure "a long-term pay settlement that must ensure the company's competitiveness in a very challenging market place".
However, union representatives had claimed that it was company negotiators who abandoned last weekend's talks.
Bombardier, the Canadian parent company of Shorts, has been seeking long-term pay concessions as the sector continues to be badly affected by the slump in the aerospace industry.
The recent round of proposals by management are understood to have included a change in working patterns, introducing an afternoon shift that would have led to the loss of a more lucrative night-time shift.
Trade Minister Ian Pearson has expressed his "concern" over the ongoing saga saying that "whilst both sides in this dispute may have valid concerns, these must not be allowed to damage further the reputation of our largest manufacturer".
(MB)
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Pay talks run into trouble at Shorts
Talks at resolving a pay and conditions dispute at leading Belfast aerospace company, Shorts have again faltered. Unions described the latest offer by the company as derisory and their position as intransigent and because of the onset of Christmas discussions would have to be delayed until the New Year.
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Talks at resolving a pay and conditions dispute at leading Belfast aerospace company, Shorts have again faltered. Unions described the latest offer by the company as derisory and their position as intransigent and because of the onset of Christmas discussions would have to be delayed until the New Year.
02 December 2003
Breakthrough in Shorts strike as Amicus agree return to work
There appeared to be a breakthrough at Belfast aerospace company, Shorts today after one of the main unions agreed to send its members back to work. Amicus have agreed to back a proposal agreed between union leaders and the company on Monday with workers returning to their posts on Wednesday.
Breakthrough in Shorts strike as Amicus agree return to work
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Shorts talks end in union walkout
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Talks between unions and management of Shorts have broken down following a decision by union representatives to walk out of the meeting. It appears the two sides disagreed over apprentice intake and holiday entitlement, with union members accusing the company of being "inflexible".
31 July 2003
Shorts pay negotiations to begin next week
Negotiations are to begin next week in the current pay dispute between staff and management at Bombardier Shorts in Belfast. It followed talks yesterday between both sides into resolving the current impasse. Shorts management described the talks as "constructive" and confirmed that negotiations would commence next Tuesday.
Shorts pay negotiations to begin next week
Negotiations are to begin next week in the current pay dispute between staff and management at Bombardier Shorts in Belfast. It followed talks yesterday between both sides into resolving the current impasse. Shorts management described the talks as "constructive" and confirmed that negotiations would commence next Tuesday.
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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.
