July 22nd: Five years after Unite members at Harland & Wolff led the successful fight to keep the Belfast shipyard open, the union today (Monday) said that the political focus must be on securing a long-term future for the shipyard along with those in Scotland and England.

Commenting, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:

“Harland & Wolff’s workforce and the shipyards they work in are of critical strategic importance. Five years after Unite members secured Harland and Wolff’s survival in Belfast, the political focus must now be on attracting stakeholders who are committed to building a long-term future, rather than those looking to turn a quick profit.

“I have been very clear with ministers that our union will leave no stone unturned to defend these vital assets and Unite has been engaging positively with senior government officials in order to ensure that this happens.“

Unite represents the majority of the workforce at the company.

In recent years due to the experience and skills of the workforce, Harland & Wolff has been contracted to deliver a number of flagship public and private sector projects.

Unite’s Irish secretary Susan Fitzgerald added: “Five years ago our members fought to save their shipyard. Thanks to their efforts, employment at the yard has increased dramatically. Belfast is once again a recognised centre of excellence for shipbuilding, delivering opportunities for young people and securing skills into the future. Unite will not allow that achievement to be lost.”