Unite vows to ensure members’ jobs not placed in jeopardy

Following the confirmation that Boeing will acquire Spirit Aerosystems, Unite which represents the overwhelming majority of the Spirit workforce across the UK, has raised serious concerns about the acquisition of the company.

Spirit Aerosystems (formerly Bombardier and Shorts) is one of Northern Ireland’s biggest companies employing approximately 3,600 workers across its sites. Unite estimates that a further 7,000 jobs in Northern Ireland, are dependent on Spirit’s activities.

While most of Spirit’s production in Northern Ireland is for Airbus, approximately 2,500 jobs are tied to lines for other air manufacturers including Bombardier and Rolls Royce.  There are approximately 1,000 workers employed at the company’s factory in Prestwick and Unite is demanding assurances for the future of all jobs.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It is disgraceful that workers have been left fearing for their livelihoods, as the huge corporations involved in this deal have failed to give assurances that their jobs will not be adversely affected.

“Unite’s commitment to defending our members’ jobs, pay and conditions is absolute and we will do everything within our power to ensure that Irish and Scottish workers in Spirit are totally protected.”

Unite the union has expressed concerns that the acquisition of the company by Boeing announced this morning will see Airbus only acquire Spirit production in its own supply chain, including the A220 in Belfast. The deal leaves uncertain the future of production at Prestwick and non-Airbus production in Northern Ireland.

Unite regional officer George Brash said: “It is totally unacceptable that Spirit workers here have been left in this position of uncertainty. We fear that dismantling the sites will undermine their longevity and put 2,500 highly-skilled jobs at risk.”

ENDS

For further information or to arrange an interview contact Donal O’Cofaigh, Unite Campaigns, Comms & Press (NI), tel. 073755320941.