I once was given a bit of advice, which was if you make a threat you must carry it out. Looks like that's exactly what the management of Shorts/Bombardier have done.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/2967400.stm
I just don't understand the thinking behind the worker's decision to reject the pay freeze on the advice of their union, especially in today's economic climate. They were warned what was to happen should they reject the deal. I hope that it is dirty tricks and that the workers have the chance to reverse their decision.
It's another bitter blow for that area, it seems such a huge thing to have lost. I was looking at some old photos last night of the engine shop in Harland and Wolff. I hope to scan some of them soon, the size of the operation was astounding, there is a small photo here http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/place-nireland/A987979.
I am constantly in awe of the old shipyard photos, how anyone could think of organising such an operation on such a grand scale is beyond me.