GMB, the union for Bombardier workers, has offered a ‘cautious welcome’ to the sale of the Belfast plant today.
It was announced this morning Spirit Aerosystems will be taking over the facility, with the deal set to be closed in early 2020.
Skilled workers in Bombardier’s Belfast plant have endured a brutal few months.
First the Trump administration proposed damaging tariffs, before a joint union campaign successfully blocked their introduction.
— GMB X02 Branch (@gmbx02) October 31, 2019
Then last year almost 500 job cuts were announced, then the company said it was going to sell-off of its Northern Ireland plant.
Following the sales, GMB hopes Bombardier workers will be able to get on with their lives.
Alan Malcolm, GMB Senior Steward, said:
“After years of job losses and cost-cutting and devastating uncertainty, Bombardier’s skilled workers in Belfast finally have cause for hope.
“GMB cautiously welcomes this sale, but is eager to speak to Spirit Aerosystems management as soon as possible to get assurances on jobs, terms and conditions and pensions.
“We need reassurances on their intentions for the future of Belfast operations, and exploring opportunities to bring in new manufacturing, assembly and Engineering work.”
