SDLP calls on Executive to act on Collins Aerospace jobs
Crotlieve SDLP Councillor Karen McKevitt has called on the Northern Ireland Executive to intervene and safeguard jobs at Collins Aerospace, Kilkeel, following SDLP Emergency Motion brought to Newry Mourne and Down District Council on Monday 3 August.
Speaking after the debate in the Council chamber, Councillor McKevitt said: “It came as a shock to me and to local people that Collins’ had to take the difficult decision and go down the road of redundancies.
“Collins Aerospace is a company with global reach which has put South Down and Kilkeel on the map. The company has for many years provided stability for families in the area and like every business across the North, the company has suffered immensely due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I have complete admiration for the employees who responded by asking what they could do for the company, offering to take pay cuts, job sharing and reducing to a 4-day week in order to save jobs.
“I want workers to know that the SDLP stands with them and will do all we can to support them. I am pleased our motion has received cross party support and has called on the Northern Ireland Executive to intervene.
“We have a short 90-day timeframe to act and we are calling on the Executive to implement a long-term strategy which will future proof jobs and skills in the Aerospace sector in South Down.
“After speaking to employees this weekend, they are grateful for the support that has been offered, but it is up to us to act and to not let them down.”
