The extension of the 90 day consultation period over the threat to 2,300 BAE Systems jobs in Wharton, Salmsbury in Lancashire and Brough in Yorkshire has been welcomed by Unite. Unite’s national officer for Aerospace and Shipbuilding, Ian Waddell said: ‘This is excellent news and gives us further time to negotiate the best way to save these important jobs for the future of British manufacturing.’
‘Our members will welcome the breathing space this extra time gives us to seek to avoid compulsory redundancies and will give them some much-needed cheer at Christmas.’
The 90-day consultation on the cuts to the plants in Warton, Samlesbury and Brough were due to end on 26th December 2011. However, the company said the deadline had been extended to allow more time for talks with unions.
The battle to save the BAe plant in Brough, East Yorkshire was given a boost when members of Unite and the GMB recieved a pledge from the Prime Minister to pledge to do all in his power to defend the site at Brough.
Labour leader Ed Miliband also meet union reps and pledged his support for the workers fight.
David Cameron pledged to invite BAe Systems chief, Ian King, for talks with the Ministry of Defence and the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills to find a workable solution to keep Brough operating.
Meanwhile Unite senior shop steward Ian Gent has warned that the proposed BAe Brough job losses could lead to a “skills drain” from the area.
Ian said: “If we lose that capability from the Humber region it tends not to come back again.”
