GMB demands Harland and Wolff is renationalised
Workers will stage a mass protest at Belfast’s famous Harland and Wolff shipyard today [July 30, 2019] over job loss fears.
The protest will take place at 12 noon at the iconic yard, where the Titanic was built, which looks set for closure if a buyer cannot be found.
Workers yesterday occupied the site, closing the gates, and protested throughout the night over the possibility of losing their jobs should a viable offer not be received by 5pm on Wednesday.
Our members have been protesting for 24 hours over job fears at the Harland and Wolff Shipyard in Belfast where the Titanic was built.
— GMB UNION (@GMB_union) July 30, 2019
We demand the shipyard is renationalised, securing hundreds of jobs and Belfast’s place as a global centre of shipbuilding. #SaveOurShipyard pic.twitter.com/SezwYOsvKE
Unions met with senior management and the administrator to understand what if any possible buyers are being engaged.
GMB and Unite are calling for urgent political intervention to save the 132 jobs and the future of this iconic workplace, should that mean short term re-nationalisation.
Michael Mulholland, GMB Organiser, said:
“Our members have been protesting for almost 24 hours straight – such is the strength of feeling for this famous yard.
“Harland and Wolff 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.”
