Workers and supporters at the Vestas wind turbine factory in Newport on the Isle of Wight are attempting to stop the remaining blades being shipped out of the factory. This is the only leverage the workers, who have been hung out to dry, really have left against the company.
Here’s the latest from the Vestas campaign blog:
“No boats today. Day one of the blockade was a success. Vestas did not try to move any blades. We are calling on activists to come and participate asap. We’re drafting a press release tonight.
“I know, a million questions flow, but we will have to wait a little longer. I imagine they are very busy down there – many of them for months now. Could do with reinforcements, so if you can free up a couple of days in the next week to go and help it would be priceless. I know it is a big ask but there are good reasons for asking it.”
See the blog for more details, travel info, etc:
http://savevestas.wordpress.com/
Site phone:
07935 868 009
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VESTAS WORKERS FIGHT ON FOR 600 JOBS
JOIN US ON THE BLADE BLOCKADE
Vestas has started rapidly shipping their remaining blades from stock in Southampton to the USA. At least two ships carrying 90 blades each have sailed from Southampton recently. Our best information is that Vestas may try to ship out the wind-turbine blades left in their Newport factory in the Isle of Wight in the coming days.
Protesting against the movement of those blades, and of the moulds which Vestas also wants to move, is the chief leverage that the workers have with Vestas. The occupying workers who were sacked must be reinstated with full redundancy paid. The government talks about 400,000 green jobs in the next five years – let’s make it start with Vestas. Just as importantly we believe that these blades should be used here in the U.K..
Around 10 blades, worth three quarters of a million pounds, were unfinished on 20 July when workers occupied the St Cross factory, to resist closure, and bosses sent home workers from the Venture Quays for fear that factory would be occupied too. Now the blades have been finished.
On Friday 4th September at 7am, workers and around 30 supporters from the mainland set up a camp to blockade the Marine Gate and prevent the blades being removed from the factory.
We have two hours notice about barges leaving Southampton, giving us this time to mobilise. The barges could come twice a day as it has been normal practice in the past for the barges to come and collect blades during the night also– the only time they don’t move the blades is (ironically) when it’s windy.
It is possible to win this campaign, if we keep up the momentum.
Support the Vestas workers – email savevestas@gmail.com
Pressurise Government: email Mandelson: www.bis.gov.uk/contact-us/ministers-l
Complain to Vestas through vestas-celtic@vestas.com or call 01925 857 100
Pass a resolution of support in your trade union or organization.
Encourage people to visit, or can pay for transport and expenses of those supporters who maintain the picket.
Send a donation payable to ‘Ryde and East Wight Trades Union Council’ to 22 Church Lane, Isle of Wight, PO33 2NB
For more information: www.rmt.org.uk. http://ventnorblog.com/topic/vestas-sit-in/ -a local news site with videos.
JOIN US ON THE BLOCKADE
With this blockade in place we now have the power to prevent the blades being moved out onto the barges. The new marine gate camp is an inspiring place to be and is a very welcome addition to the well-established Magic Roundabout Solidarity camp at the main gate. There is plenty of place to camp with a great view of the river. We are running a variety of workshops, locals are very supportive and the fireside chats each evening are inspiring. Come down and see for yourself. Bring friends and family.