Business

Bombardier staff agree new four-year pay deal

Bombardier staff in Belfast have agreed a new pay deal they hope will safeguard jobs at the aerospace giant
Bombardier staff in Belfast have agreed a new pay deal they hope will safeguard jobs at the aerospace giant Bombardier staff in Belfast have agreed a new pay deal they hope will safeguard jobs at the aerospace giant

STAFF at one of the north's biggest employers Bombardier have agreed a new pay deal they hope will safeguard jobs at the aerospace giant.

The plane maker, who employs around 4,500 people in Northern Ireland has reached an agreement with trade unions and staff on a four-year pay offer, which is believed to include a two per cent rise in wages.

The company however, has admitted that it still faces "significant challenges" to protect its long-term future.

Last year Bombardier laid off over 1,000 people in the north, as part of worldwide cuts, due to various difficulties in recent years, not least delays to its flagship C Series aircraft.

"Following negotiations between the company and trade unions, the unions balloted their members on a four-year pay offer tabled by the company. We can confirm that that offer has been accepted by the workforce," Bombardier said.

"We still have significant challenges to address in terms of improving our competitiveness, but we will continue to work with our employees to protect the long-term future of our business."

Davy Thompson, regional coordinating officer for Unite expressed his hopes that the pay deal agreed will safeguard jobs and underpin future potential growth opportunities in Bombardier.

“We are glad to have reached agreement with Bombardier management on a multi-annual pay deal that has received overwhelming endorsement by our membership. The workforce voted by a 73.5 per cent majority to accept the deal."

“Unite hopes that this deal will stabilise the businesses’ Belfast operations in the go-forward. We hope that this will provide a base from which we can secure additional employment, securing the long-term future of the company in Northern Ireland," he added.

The agreement was announced on the same day that Bombardier's Belfast boss was appointed to a senior leadership position at the Canadian heavyweight.

Michael Ryan, who joined the company through the acquisition of Short Brothers in 1989, will take on the role of president of Aerostructures and Engineering Services from July 1.

Mr Ryan previously served as vice president and general manager of Bombardier’s Belfast operation and has also held a number of other leadership positions within the company.

It is thought that Mr Ryan will continue to work from Belfast in spite of his promotion.

Alain Bellemare, president and CEO of Bombardier said he was delighted with the appointment.

“His strong leadership skills, deep experience in the aerospace industry and track record of execution make him the right choice to lead Bombardier’s Aerostructures business as we continue to transform our company.”

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