News that Bombardier is slashing 5,000 jobs — including 2,500 in Quebec — as part of a restructuring plan landed with a thud Thursday, sparking anger from workers and calls for action by opposition politicians.

Arriving for a meeting with Saguenay Mayor Josée Néron, Quebec Premier François Legault said he has spoken to both the president of Bombardier and the head of the union.

“It’s a sad day, but I assured both we will do everything possible to minimize the number of lost jobs,” Legault said.

He said a working committee to manage the transition will meet Monday.

He added the government will help workers find new places in the industry.

“After all, the aeronautics industry is doing well in Quebec, so the minister of the economy has contacted the owners of other aeronautic companies.”

Quebec Economy Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon said on Thursday he had spoken to the CEOs of the top three Quebec aerospace companies “and they are all in a buoyant recruiting mode.”