Glyn Ford calls for greater support for Airbus
Glyn Ford MEP today (Friday 22 May) visited Airbus to meet with members of the management and Union officials to discuss the future of aircraft development in the South West and find out how the company and its workers are coping during the economic crisis.
Glyn, who is a former employee of Airbus, has been requested by senior management to write to Defence Secretary John Hutton MP, Business Secretary Peter Mandelson and Derek Simpson, General Secretary of Unite, about the development of A400M military and A350 non-military aircrafts.
A recent Government report said that
Workers and management at Airbus are also keen for Glyn to speak to European Commissioner Cathy Ashton to seek assurances that their position is protected during the economic downturn, an increasingly competitive time.
Glyn Ford MEP said:
“Airbus has been a major employer in the South West for many years, and it is always vital that we support those companies that provide stability to workers and families in and around
Having spoken to them today I agree that in order for Airbus to protect jobs throughout the next few years they will need government support. To get clear guidance concerning the development of the A400M aircraft would be a good starting point for all involved.
I have agreed to write to both Peter Mandelson and Derek Simpson to gain some clarity over the situation and push for greater governmental support for an industry that has been hit hard over the last few months.”
