17.02.16
RMT calls for government intervention to save Bombardier jobs
Government intervention is necessary to save 270 jobs at train manufacturer Bombardier, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) has said.
The Canadian aerospace and transportation company announced today that it is due to cut 7,000 jobs worldwide in the next two years, with 270 jobs due to go at its Derby train business.
Most of those affected are contractors, with fewer than 50 permanent workers losing their jobs.
Mick Cash, RMT general secretary, said: “With a desperate shortage of rail rolling stock in Britain it is criminal that jobs are being axed at the UK’s last train building workshop, Bombardier in Derby.
“There is plenty of work for this plant to be doing if the government had the will to intervene. Contracts for train building are still being shipped overseas, risking the very future of train building in the nation that gave the railways to the world.”
Cash said RMT would write to ministers demanding that they secure a long-term future for the Derby plant.
Bombardier manufactures trains at Derby and signalling equipment at Plymouth.
The company’s contracts include maintaining Meridian DEMUs for East Midlands Trains, delivering Crossrail rolling stock and building a fleet of new trains for London Overground.
Alain Bellemare, president and CEO at Bombardier, said: “These adjustments are always difficult. They are important to ensure that, with our 64,000 employees worldwide, we continue to create superior value for our customers, be more competitive, and deliver improved financial performance.”
UPDATE: 18 February 9.00am
A Bombardier spokesperson told RTM that 44 permanent jobs will be lost at UK railway sites, and that Bombardier couldn't say where at this stage.
He added that Bombardier will recruit new UK staff in different areas in the next year.
(Image c. Chris J. Dixon)