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17/10/2003
Deadlock broken over Shorts pay dispute
Bombardier Shorts have welcomed an announcement by unions that industrial action planned for this weekend is to be suspended.
A compromise was reached on Friday between management at Shorts and the Labour Relations Agency (LRA) whereby the company will suspend the shift for six weeks, and make no more redundancies for the same period, if workers will agree to suspend their industrial action.
In a statement welcoming the move, Shorts said: "We hope that progress can be made to enable both parties to enter into negotiations on all the substantive issues including wage contract renewal.
"A suspension of the Afternoon shift is part of the proposed agreement between the company and the Trade unions through the auspices of the LRA."
A decision by the trade unions is expected next Tuesday following consultation with their members.
Relations between the union representatives and Shorts management have been tense since Bombardier revealed that around 1,000 jobs were under threat after employees rejected a proposed four-year pay agreement earlier in the year.
Earlier in the week, both sides in the dispute blamed each other after the break down of a talks session on Monday, October 13.
The confusion surrounded which union representatives were supposed to attend the meeting.
Shorts claimed they had been informed that officials from all three unions affiliated to the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions (CSEU) were to attend the meeting to be held under the auspices LRA but in the event only two turned up.
However, union representatives said that because two out of three unions had voted for industrial action, it was more appropriate if their shop stewards were the only union representatives to take part in the talks.
(MB)
A compromise was reached on Friday between management at Shorts and the Labour Relations Agency (LRA) whereby the company will suspend the shift for six weeks, and make no more redundancies for the same period, if workers will agree to suspend their industrial action.
In a statement welcoming the move, Shorts said: "We hope that progress can be made to enable both parties to enter into negotiations on all the substantive issues including wage contract renewal.
"A suspension of the Afternoon shift is part of the proposed agreement between the company and the Trade unions through the auspices of the LRA."
A decision by the trade unions is expected next Tuesday following consultation with their members.
Relations between the union representatives and Shorts management have been tense since Bombardier revealed that around 1,000 jobs were under threat after employees rejected a proposed four-year pay agreement earlier in the year.
Earlier in the week, both sides in the dispute blamed each other after the break down of a talks session on Monday, October 13.
The confusion surrounded which union representatives were supposed to attend the meeting.
Shorts claimed they had been informed that officials from all three unions affiliated to the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions (CSEU) were to attend the meeting to be held under the auspices LRA but in the event only two turned up.
However, union representatives said that because two out of three unions had voted for industrial action, it was more appropriate if their shop stewards were the only union representatives to take part in the talks.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
