LONDON, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S.-based aircraft giant Boeing was warned Monday its future dealings with the British government could be threatened by a dispute involving Canadian rival jet builder Bombardier.
Thousands of jobs in Northern Ireland are at risk after the U.S. government opted to impose a 220-percent import tariff on Bombardier's C-Series jet.
Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire held talks Monday with Bombardier's CEO Michael Ryan and the representatives from the Unite trade union to underline the British government's support for Bombardier in the ongoing Boeing dispute.
Brokenshire said: "Bombardier jobs are absolutely vital to the Northern Ireland economy...There is a compelling requirement for all in politics, in business and across the community to stand as one" on what he called a "very serious issue."
Brokenshire added: "This is an unjustified action by Boeing and whatever course of action they take could have an impact on any future dealings they may have with the UK government."
Brokenshire said the British government would continue to work with senior management at Bombardier, the trade unions, and the workforce, as well as with the Canadian and U.S. governments to find a resolution.
Bombardier employs about 4,000 people in Northern Ireland, with about 1,000 employees working on C-Series jetliners.
