British union, Unite is urging troubled manufacturer, Wrightbus be nationalised and warns of the “devastating consequences” following the planned administration of the company in the Northern Ireland town of Ballymena.
News of the administration, which could see 1,300 jobs disappear as well as a further 3,400 at risk in the supply chain, comes as Ballymena is already reeling from Michelin’s decision to shutter its lorry tyre plant in the town with 860 workers made redundant, as well as the closure of the JTI Gallaher cigarette factory.
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“We have been told there is a company desperate to get in and takeover Wrightbus; while this is welcome it shouldn’t be done at the expense of jobs and contractual terms,” said Unite regional officer, George Brash.
“I will be insisting on a meeting with the administrator and arguing for those who wish to stay, their contracts should be honoured while a new buyer comes forward.”
Nearly three years ago, Wrightbus launched its zero-emission double deck vehicle, debuting a new hydrogen fuel cell driveline, immediately dubbed the ‘Boris Bus’ after the then Mayor of London and now Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, introduced it onto the British capital’s streets.
With Northern Ireland’s devolved government currently not sitting at its Stormont headquarters, Unite is appealing directly to the Prime Minister, himself currently embroiled in Britain’s tortuous exit from the EU by 31 October.
“Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has made great play about how he stands strong for British industry,” added Unite regional secretary, Jackie Pollock in Ballymena.
“He must now intervene to safeguard these workers’ jobs and skills and a future for Ballymena by nationalising this business – there’s no EU State aid rules that could prevent it.
“Ballymena has already lost thousands of decent, union jobs with the closure of JTI-Gallaher and Michelin in recent years and most recently 86 jobs at Blackbourne – we face the prospect of further devastation should this closure be allowed to proceed.
“Wrightbus is the last UK company capable of producing double-decker buses – indeed buses with advanced renewables technology – needed by commuters in Belfast, Dublin and London and vital to any vision of a transition to a sustainable future. We call on Boris Johnson to ‘take back control’ and nationalise to invest in securing UK bus manufacturing capacity.
The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim in Northern Ireland has also expressed her “deep sadness” following the announcement Wrightbus has entered administration.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has been in close discussions with Wrightbus throughout recent weeks, offering advice and support as necessary.
Senior representatives of the Council’s Manufacturing Taskforce, which is led by Chief Executive, Anne Donaghy, are also working closely with the firm and Invest NI.
Councillor Timothy Gaston, who has been heavily engaged with Wrightbus on behalf of the Council, said: “We are working with Wrightbus and other key partners to offer our full support to all affected by this process.
“Our area has suffered more than most in recent years, with the closures of JTI and Michelin in particular, but this is not the end of the road for Wrightbus.”
Numerous calls to Wrightbus were not answered with a voicemail message instead noting: “You are through to Wright Group – please continue to hold.”
