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645 jobs going at aerospace firm 645 jobs going at aerospace firm
(about 4 hours later)
More than 600 jobs are going at the Belfast aerospace company Shorts, parent company Bombardier has said.More than 600 jobs are going at the Belfast aerospace company Shorts, parent company Bombardier has said.
In a statement the firm said that 645 jobs would go and all levels, including management, will be affected.In a statement the firm said that 645 jobs would go and all levels, including management, will be affected.
It said there was lower demand in the worldwide market in regional jets which has led to fewer orders. Nearly 500 jobs are going in Canada.It said there was lower demand in the worldwide market in regional jets which has led to fewer orders. Nearly 500 jobs are going in Canada.
Peter Williamson of the Amicus union said he was shocked when he heard about the job cuts.Peter Williamson of the Amicus union said he was shocked when he heard about the job cuts.
"While we would have been aware that there was difficulties at the company, I think the announcement of 645 jobs on a Northern Ireland scale is enormous," he said."While we would have been aware that there was difficulties at the company, I think the announcement of 645 jobs on a Northern Ireland scale is enormous," he said.
"What we can do about it is limited."What we can do about it is limited.
"I think Bombardier Shorts need to take stock and answer the question - What is the future of Shorts in Northern Ireland?""I think Bombardier Shorts need to take stock and answer the question - What is the future of Shorts in Northern Ireland?"
Consultations will begin with the unions to try to keep the compulsory redundancies to a minimum.Consultations will begin with the unions to try to keep the compulsory redundancies to a minimum.
The firm said it would cut production of the CRJ700/900 regional jets and increase production of the Q400 turboprop.The firm said it would cut production of the CRJ700/900 regional jets and increase production of the Q400 turboprop.
Part of the turboprop is made in Belfast, but not enough to offset the cutback in regional jet production.Part of the turboprop is made in Belfast, but not enough to offset the cutback in regional jet production.
The Belfast jobs will start to go in January 2007, the company said.The Belfast jobs will start to go in January 2007, the company said.
Bombardier president Pierre Beaudoin said they had to ensure "we achieve our goal of increased profitability and our success in the long term".Bombardier president Pierre Beaudoin said they had to ensure "we achieve our goal of increased profitability and our success in the long term".
'Success goal''Success goal'
"This means making difficult but necessary decisions," he said."This means making difficult but necessary decisions," he said.
"We recognise the impact this decision will have on our affected employees and we will treat them fairly and with respect.""We recognise the impact this decision will have on our affected employees and we will treat them fairly and with respect."
He said the workforce level at Bombardier's Toronto facility where the Q-Series and Global aircraft are manufactured will rise by more than 800 to reflect the increase in production levels. Mr Robinson said the job cuts would hurt the economyHe said the workforce level at Bombardier's Toronto facility where the Q-Series and Global aircraft are manufactured will rise by more than 800 to reflect the increase in production levels. Mr Robinson said the job cuts would hurt the economy
But he added this would see 1,330 fewer employees at its Montreal-area facilities and at its Belfast site over a nine-month period starting October 2006.But he added this would see 1,330 fewer employees at its Montreal-area facilities and at its Belfast site over a nine-month period starting October 2006.
Peter Robinson, DUP MP for East Belfast, said the job cuts would have a severe impact on the Northern Ireland economy.Peter Robinson, DUP MP for East Belfast, said the job cuts would have a severe impact on the Northern Ireland economy.
"I have already spoken to Shorts Chief Executive Michael Ryan and urged him to take steps to offset and mitigate these job losses," he said."I have already spoken to Shorts Chief Executive Michael Ryan and urged him to take steps to offset and mitigate these job losses," he said.
Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey said he hoped the company would do all it could to attract more work to its Northern Ireland operation.Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey said he hoped the company would do all it could to attract more work to its Northern Ireland operation.
"The company has advised me that the 90-day notice will allow for negotiations with the trade unions and provide the company with an opportunity to seek new work from the group," the East Belfast assembly member said."The company has advised me that the 90-day notice will allow for negotiations with the trade unions and provide the company with an opportunity to seek new work from the group," the East Belfast assembly member said.
Sinn Fein's economic spokesperson Mitchel McLaughlin said the job losses highlighted the dangers of having an economic policy driven by an over-dependence on foreign investment.
The Foyle Assembly member said: "Sinn Fein has been arguing for sometime that the structural weaknesses in the local economy will not be overcome through an over-reliance on foreign direct investment."
Enterprise Minister Maria Eagle said the government would do all it could to minimise the impact of the jobs losses.
"I can assure (the workers) that government will do all in its power to make appropriate advice and guidance on alternative employment and training opportunities available," she said.
Bombardier Aerospace employs about 26,900 globally with 5,300 of its workforce in Belfast.Bombardier Aerospace employs about 26,900 globally with 5,300 of its workforce in Belfast.