Harland & Wolff workers back with fresh hopes for future
Harland & Wolff workers are back to business as usual after nine weeks of uncertainty and no pay at the iconic east Belfast shipyard.
The ship-building company was saved from closure after being bought for £6m by London-based energy firm Infrastrata.
It says it will now increase the workforce by several hundred over five years.
Shop steward Joe Passmore, who became one of the key voices of the effort to save the shipyard, was emotional to have succeeded in that quest.
“This is the rebirth of Harland & Wolff,” he told UTV.
“And we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved to make this come about.”
He added: “To be honest, there’s even more weight on my shoulders now – because I’m determined this is going to work.
“The real work begins now and I will throw everything at this to make this company a success.”
The workers expressed their thanks to all those who had supported them during such a difficult time – from the local community, to trade unions.
Shop steward Barry Reid explained how his son’s school had refused to take any money for after-school clubs while he wasn’t being paid.
After 34 years working for Harland & Wolff, he added: “Let’s get back and prove what we can do.”
He further outlined how plans for the future, including offering apprenticeships, would be a major boost for the industry and for Northern Ireland.
“This is what we need - there’s no trade crafts coming through now, so to give people proper apprenticeships and a proper job …” he said.
“This isn’t a job down here, this is a way of life.”