Unite: Bombardier workers call on Cameron to save Britain's last train maker

Wednesday, 7 September 2011 9:24 AM

Hundreds of Bombardier workers head to London today (Wednesday, 7 September) on a Bombardier built train on day of the transport select committee hearing to call on Prime Minister David Cameron to save Britain's last train maker.

Diana Holland, Unite assistant general secretary, who will be giving evidence at the transport select committee hearing on Bombardier, said:

"Unions, local politicians from all parties and business leaders from Derbyshire are showing a rare moment of unity today to call on the Tory-led government to save Bombardier, Britain's last train maker. In a highly symbolic gesture they have even travelled to London from Derby in a train built by Bombardier workers.

"Unite will also give its evidence to the Transport Select Committee today on why the government should rethink its decision on Thameslink.

"There are 3,000 jobs at Bombardier in Derby and thousands more in companies that supply the train manufacturer. When the country's economy is so uncertain and manufacturers are struggling the government should be using its buying power to support UK employment and manufacturing skills. No other European country would put its last train maker in jeopardy, the government must wake-up and act to support UK manufacturing."

For further information contact Ciaran Naidoo on: 07768 931315.

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