Tensions over union flag protests at Short Brothers highlighed

A series of "wildcat" strikes over union flags at Short Brothers Aerospace Company in Belfast in July 1987 is highlighted in this year's release of Public Record Office files.

The controversy generated scenes similar to those during the loyalist flag protests of 2012-13.

On June 30th, 1987, David Fell, of the Stormont Department of Economic Development, reported to officials that Sir Philip Foreman, the managing director, had reported to him that "flags and bunting had gone up in abundance" at the east Belfast plant during the night shift.

Management had discussed the matter with the unions but “they were not prepared to do anything about it”.

Fell informed Northern Ireland Office (NIO) officials that Sir Philip was determined to take a strong stand, saying that “if the flags go up again, management will close the doors”.

Blocking management

The threat did not work, however, and he told the NIO the night shift had gone on strike while “the day shift are now on the road blocking management from getting in”.

By July 3rd, 1987, Shorts confirmed it had closed production areas at its three plants at Queen’s Island, Castlereagh and Newtownards in face of “widespread intimidation and vigorous pickets”.

At the same time, Shorts informed the NIO that staff from the Fair Employment Agency, who were engaged to assess the religious balance of the workforce, had been pulled out for their own safety.

By July 6th, 1987 the situation had eased with a Department of Economic Development official informing the minister that 4,386 out of a total workforce of 5,650 (or 78 per cent) were at work in a “flag-free environment”.