Action shuts down Euromin - five arrested
Simon Jones Memorial Campaign | 03.12.2001 19:21
This afternoon (3rd December) 30 supporters of the Simon Jones Memorial campaign blockaded the Euromin's Shoreham dock where Simon Jones was killed in 1998.
A number of lorries were successfully prevented from entering and leaving. Euromin's on-site offices were occupied and a giant banner reading "Simon Jones - killed by casualisation" was hung from a dockside lighting rig.
Passing car drivers peeped their horns in support of the action. Leaflets were given out to people in nearby houses explaining Euromin's role in Simon's death. The police, warmed by hot drinks given to them by Euromin staff, arrested two men and three women under anti-union laws.
The action followed last week's conviction of Euromin for crimes relating to health and safety that led directly to Simon Jones'death for which the company was fined £50,000. James Martell and Euromin were aquitted at the trial of manslaughter by a majority verdict.
Jo Makepeace of the Simon Jones Memorial Campaign says, "There is no doubt that Euromin's practice of cutting corners on safety led directly to Simon's death. Unfortunately, as last week's paultry fine showed, the law currently puts very little value on the lives of workers. The message to companies is that it makes good business sense to pay small fines rather than take steps to ensure that workers aren't killed or injured.
"Our action today was intended to send out a very different message - that if the law won't take action against killer companies, we will."
Simon Jones Memorial Campaign
e-mail:
action@simonjones.org.uk
Homepage:
www.simonjones.org.uk
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