Solidarity walk in support of redundancy-threatened workers

A solidarity walk in support of aviation workers threatened with redundancy is set to be held near Caerphilly Castle.

Earlier this month, it was announced that hundreds of jobs are set to go at GE Aviation Wales’ maintenance plant in Nantgarw.

The company, which services engines for plane makers Boeing and Airbus, announced that 369 jobs will be cut, with the aviation industry hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

The walk, which will start at 12pm on Saturday, August 1, has been organised by the trade unionist group Caerphilly Trades Council.

The walk will include a socially distanced procession around the castle and a number of speeches, with those attending urged to wear a face mask due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Caerphilly Trades Council secretary, Mariam Kamish, said: “GE is having huge financial support from government to protect these jobs. Shouldn’t that money be made dependent on guarantees that these jobs will be secure? 

“We cannot afford to see any more employment leave the Valleys – these are very high-skilled, highly-paid jobs.

“If these jobs go now, we will never get them back.”

Caerphilly’s Member of Parliament, Wayne David, has called on the UK Government to give immediate financial support to the company.

He described the redundancies as a “crisis for much of South Wales but especially for Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf”.

Mr David said: “At Nantgarw, GE employs highly skilled workers and pays good wages. We cannot afford to lose these jobs. 

“The loss of 369 jobs will be a body blow to those directly affected but also to the local economy.  That is why I am calling on the UK Government to come forward with a package of measures designed to save jobs. 

“The Government needs to recognise the importance of aerospace to our economy and to the locality.”

A GE Aviation spokesperson said: “The proposals to reduce our workforce are due to the unprecedented impact of Covid-19 on the commercial aviation industry.

“These proposals were initially communicated to our workforce on July 9 and the consultation process has recently started.

“We appreciate the commitment of all our employees during this difficult time, and we regret having to bring forward these proposals. We remain focused on protecting the safety of our employees, continuing to serve our customers, and preserving our capability to respond as the industry recovers.”