Ulster Unionist Party MLAs Andy Allen and Alan Chambers have reacted to news that Bombardier are proceeding with 95 redundancies in Northern Ireland.
East Belfast UUP MLA Andy Allen said:
“This is again a worrying time for Bombardier workers in East Belfast and beyond. My thoughts are with them and their families at this difficult time. My understanding is that the 95 job losses announcement at Bombardier today is part of the big restructuring announcement which was made in February 2016. At that time, we were told that between 2016 and 2017, 1080 jobs would be lost in Northern Ireland. It is still very disappointing and concerning news considering the improved sales situation for the C Series since that statement was made, eighteen months ago. I had hoped that these jobs could have been saved.
“The renewed uncertainty at Bombardier also requires a political response at Stormont – with a local Minister and an Assembly working to support businesses throughout Northern Ireland. We need stability in the political situation, a restoration of the Assembly and the implementation of a manufacturing strategy to protect jobs here in Northern Ireland.”
Ulster Unionist economy spokesperson Alan Chambers MLA said:
“Our thoughts have to be first and foremost with the workers who are being made redundant at Bombardier and their families. This is a reminder that Bombardier is an incredibly important player in our local economy and that we cannot afford to lose in any trade dispute with Boeing about the Delta C Series deal.”