Workers occupy Harland and Wolff shipyard

Workers have occupied Belfast’s famous Harland and Wolff shipyard over job loss fears.

GMB and Unite members took over the iconic yard – where the Titanic was built – at noon yesterday and are still there this morning. They opened the gates yesterday only to let in administrators. They are worried about losing their jobs should a viable offer for the yard not be received by 5pm today.

The unions, who are calling for urgent political intervention to save the 132 jobs and the future of the yard, met with senior management and the administrator to understand what if any possible buyers are being engaged.

GMB organiser Michael Mulholland, said: “Our members have been protesting for almost 24 hours straight – such is the strength of feeling for this famous yard. Harland and Wolf is a huge part of the UK’s shipbuilding heritage – it’s a piece of history and can’t be allowed to go the way of so many other shipyards in recent years.

“GMB demands Harland and Wolf is renationalised, securing hundreds of jobs and Belfast’s place as a global centre of shipbuilding.”

GMB general secretary Tim Roache tweeted his support, saying: “How did it ever come to this. Total disregard by an uncaring government, no joined up industrial strategy and no commitment to our own shipyards. Look forward to seeing you all Thursday at the gates. We MUST #SaveOurShipyard”

Harland and Wolff steelworker and Unite member Joe Passmore said “exasperated” workers took control of the yard after attempts to find an agreement with management failed.

He said: “We’ve pleaded with politicians from all parties to come down and support us, to either get us money or re-nationalise us as they did in Scotland.

“They just seem unable to help us. They hide behind civil servants, they hide behind Stormont and they just seem to be sitting on their hands.

“We had to go back to tell our workforce that’s it, there’s no future and we’re closing on Wednesday night and we’re all unemployed. They were furious, so we’ve decided to take matters into our own hands.”

Unite regional organiser Susan Fitzgerald called on Boris Johnson to nationalise the 160-year-old yard, saying: “Workers fighting to preserve Harland and Wolff deserve the support of everyone concerned for the future of jobs and skills in Northern Ireland.

“Prime Minister Boris Johnson will this week make his first visit to Northern Ireland as PM, and Unite is again calling on his government to nationalise Harland and Wolff and cooperate with the workers to chart a way forward for the yard.”

In a message read out to workers, Unite general secretary McCluskey said: “Your spirit and determination is an inspiration to our movement. If Boris Johnson and Andrea Leadsom had even an ounce of your vision and courage then this yard would be safe today and into the future.

“Your union fully supports the demand for nationalisation of Harland and Wolff. This is a viable enterprise, and you, the workers – who know the situation best – have identified potential business which could turn the shipyard around.

“We take our lead from you. You are fighting back – you refuse to let your yard and your streets fall quiet – and you will have your union with you every step of the way.”

Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner tweeted: “Solidarity with all workers at Harland & Wolff taking decisive, direct action for the long term future of the shipyard. I’m leaving no stone unturned in talking to the new defence and business secretaries to ensure they do what they need to do.”