The 海角视频 Government has been accused of putting Americans and Boeing ahead of Welsh workers with their decision to drop tariffs against the US.
The EU and the US are engaged in a trade battle over subsidies for aerospace giants Airbus and Boeing, with both sides imposing selected tariffs on imports over the matter.
But the tariffs against the US will be suspended in the 海角视频 from January 1, when the post-Brexit transition period ends.
Aerospace trade group ADS criticised the “unilateral action” that was taken without securing some reciprocal measures.
Now Unite have attacked the decision with an accusation the 海角视频 Government is putting 'America first'.
In response the Uk Government said it wanted to de-escalate the conflict but also reserved the right to re-impose measures if progress is not made in negotiations.
Darren Reynolds, Unite convenor for Airbus Broughton, said: “During what is a really difficult period for aviation due to the Covid-19 pandemic and with Unite members at our Broughton site under threat of losing their jobs, our members expect the Government to be supporting the aerospace sector and 海角视频 jobs.
"We have been asking the 海角视频 Government for help and support but instead they make this reckless decision which could have a detrimental impact on Broughton and high quality jobs here in North Wales.”
Most Read
Peter Hughes, Unite Wales Secretary, said: “Unite consistent calls for assistance from the 海角视频 Government for our hugely important aerospace sector has been ignored.
"To add insult to injury they have now sided with the Americans and Boeing putting thousands of our members jobs in North Wales in increased jeopardy."
Chester MP Chris Matheson and Mark Tami, MP for neighbouring Alyn & Deeside, have also condemned the decision.
Mr Tami said: “These were brought in to protect workers in the 海角视频 and EU from Trump’s attack on their jobs, which has not ended with his election loss.
"This decision by the Prime Minister puts thousands of Airbus jobs in Broughton at risk. The Government’s focus must be on protecting our jobs, not bending over backwards to please the Americans.”
Mr Matheson said: “This announcement is a clear demonstration of the Government’s disregard for the aerospace industry. It is a dreadful act of bad faith, by a government looking to align itself with the US while rejecting anything ‘European’, even the runaway success story that is Airbus."
But a Government spokesperson said: “The 海角视频 is serious about de-escalating this conflict and is focussed on achieving a swift and balanced settlement to the benefit of all parties involved.
Don’t miss
“However, we reserve the right to apply independent retaliatory tariffs if sufficient progress is not made in negotiations. We will not hesitate to exercise our WTO rights in the interest of protecting British businesses and industry.
Sign up to the BusinessLive Wales newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn
As well as an in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. To sign up to this service
And, follow us on to catch the latest stories and to network with the Welsh business community.
“As an independent trading nation, we have the ability to shape these tariffs to our interests and our economy, and to stand up for 海角视频 business.
“The 海角视频 has good engagement with Airbus, and all stakeholders, on this matter, and a range of other topics.
"We recognise Airbus’ importance for the aerospace sector and its contribution to jobs and communities across Wales and the rest of the 海角视频.”