Bombardier To Axe 280 Jobs In NI

Aerospace firm Bombardier has announced a further 280 job losses, according to Unite the union.

Davy Thompson, Unite's Regional Coordinating Officer, called on the management to review the decision.

He said: "We do not agree with the case being made against retention of functional staff onsite. This decision is premature given the potential for jobs growth in the C Series and opportunities for additional employment on site with existing legacy products.

"At a time when the unions and the broader Bombardier workforce in Northern Ireland are leading efforts to put the pressure on political leaders to use their leverage on Boeing and the US administration to rescind the 300% tariffs threatened on the C Series, it is very saddening that our efforts are rewarded by this announcement. Unite is calling on Bombardier to reconsider these redundancies and lift the threat to its workers in Northern Ireland at this time."

Bombardier employs over 4,000 people in Northern Ireland.

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard said: "The Bombardier job losses are a blow at an already challenging time for the company.

"It was hoped the announcement that Airbus would take a majority stake in the C-Series project last week would help ease pressures on the company.

"Both Bombardier and Schlumberger are bellweather companies embroiled in difficult economic times.

"It's crucial that Invest NI has a strategy to attract more foreign direct investment projects and grow indigenous companies and that full support is given to workers being made redundant."

Ulster Unionist MLA for east Belfast, Andy Allen, said: "I am disappointed to learn of yet more devastating news for Bombardier workers and my thoughts are with those affected and their families.

"Manufacturing in Northern Ireland continues to be hit hard and we now need to see urgent action to support the sector.

"Today's announcement is further proof that it is imperative that an Executive is established to work with the manufacturing sector and once and for all implement a manufacturing strategy to support this valued industry.

Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson, Alan Chambers MLA said: "This is a further blow to the Bombardier workers in Northern Ireland and my thoughts are with them at what must be an incredibly distressing time.

"Even at this eleventh hour, I would appeal to the management to work with the unions to review this decision.

"This latest news of job losses underlines the need for political stability in Northern Ireland. We need a local Minister in place putting a plan in action to ensure those who will be made redundant have opportunities for either re-employment or reskilling."

(CD)