Relations worsen in Shorts dispute

Bombardier is Northern Ireland's largest manufacturing employer

Relations have worsened between management and unions at the Belfast aerospace company Shorts Bombardier ahead of more talks to resolve a dispute over pay.

Unions described management as "intransigent" on Monday over issues discussed in preliminary negotiations at the weekend.

More than 1,000 jobs are under threat at the company's Belfast operation following a decision by workers to reject a proposed four-year agreement over pay.

The company had already announced 580 redundancies in response to what it called "very challenging market conditions".

The unions have said although they did not believe Tuesday's talks would succeed, they would still take part in them.

The company denied being intransigent, and said it was committed to resolving the dispute.

This marks a change in relations between the parties, as both Bombardier Aerospace and a union source described talks held last Wednesday as "constructive".

Peter Williamson from the manufacturing, science and finance union Amicus, who is leading the union's delegation in the talks, said last week that workers wanted recognition for their achievements.

Union leader Peter Williamson: Workforce are angry

"I know the workforce are extremely annoyed, they are extremely angry," Mr Williamson said.

"It has certainly never been my experience as a trade union official to witness the resentment and the anger that is current in this workforce at this stage."

Mr Williamson said employees had met deadlines, schedules and targets.

"They are turning some profits in the company, considerable profits in the Bombardier group.

"They see all of that taking place and there is this reward that people expect in those circumstances."

Bombardier in Canada has already made it clear that it needs to reduce the workforce in Northern Ireland in order to improve competitiveness.

It said it was essential that the company was "in the best position possible to retain contracts with its customers who are demanding very competitive, long-term price commitments".

The aerospace industry has been badly affected in recent years by events including 11 September, the consequent fear of terrorism, the downturn in the global economy, competition from low-cost carriers and the recent Sars outbreak.

Many airlines are in financial difficulties and have cancelled some aircraft orders and putting others on hold.

The level of work from Boeing, one of Shorts Bombardier's major customers, for example, is understood to be at an all-time low.