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Bombardier denies job losses link Bombardier denies job losses link
(about 1 hour later)
Aerospace company Bombardier has said there is no connection between the growth of its operation in central America and job losses in Belfast.Aerospace company Bombardier has said there is no connection between the growth of its operation in central America and job losses in Belfast.
Almost 650 jobs are going at Shorts in Belfast, which is owned by Bombardier.Almost 650 jobs are going at Shorts in Belfast, which is owned by Bombardier.
A similar number of jobs are being cut by the company in Canada at the same time as it is creating about 1,200 in Mexico.A similar number of jobs are being cut by the company in Canada at the same time as it is creating about 1,200 in Mexico.
Enterprise Minister Maria Eagle said it was a difficult time, but it was "not the beginning of the end" for Shorts.
"Of course this is terrible news for the individuals who are affected by it, for the people who work at Shorts who may now lose their jobs some time next year," she said.
"But it is not the beginning of the end for Shorts or Bombardier in Belfast."
On Tuesday, the firm said 645 jobs would go at Shorts and all levels would be affected.
The minister, who met with Bombardier management during a trade mission to Canada last week, said she was not surprised they did not tell her about the job losses.
She said it was proper for them to inform the staff affected first.
Bombardier said the Belfast job losses were the result of the lower demand in the worldwide market in regional jets.Bombardier said the Belfast job losses were the result of the lower demand in the worldwide market in regional jets.
This has led has led to fewer orders, it said.This has led has led to fewer orders, it said.
The firm has said 645 jobs would go at Shorts and all levels would be affected.
The factory in Mexico specialises in electrical harnessing for Bombardier aircraft.The factory in Mexico specialises in electrical harnessing for Bombardier aircraft.
Shock ShockBombardier is the parent company of Belfast aerospace firm Shorts
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 were 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.
"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'
"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."
Bombardier is the parent company of Belfast aerospace firm Shorts
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.