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Vestas blockade - help urgently needed on the Isle of Wight

Vestas workers solidarity | 04.09.2009 14:48 | Climate Chaos | Energy Crisis | Workers' Movements | South Coast

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:

 http://savevestas.wordpress.com/2009/09/04/i-see-no-ships-no-vestas-blades-will-move-from-newport-isle-of-wight-today/

"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

Vestas workers solidarity
- Homepage: http://savevestas.wordpress.com/

Additions

Blockade makes Vestas think twice about moving its blades – report of Friday 4.9

04.09.2009 20:56

 http://savevestas.wordpress.com/2009/09/04/blockade-makes-vestas-think-twice-about-moving-its-blades-report-of-friday-4-september/

Interview this evening with Robin outside Vestas, Newport, Isle of Wight, about the blockade today, Friday 4 September, that has stopped Vestas taking the remaining blades from the factory.

What happened today?
I would say 25-30 supporters from the mainland were present at the Marine Gate for the blockade today; plus the hard core of the workers. A few other Islanders – certainly a few people walking their dogs along the cycle path took an interest! We made a new banner which says ‘Whose factory?’ and hung it up by the jetty.

A lot of the camp that was on the roundabout has moved to the Marine Gate which is where the blades go out from the factory to the River Medina. At our meeting in the evening we decided to maintain both camps, on the roundabout in front of the factory and at the back by the Marine Gate.

Four blades were removed by barge from the factory at Venture Quays, East Cowes, possibly a mould for making blades. We have definitely stopped them from removing the blades from Newport, because they had sent two barges, one can take about 6 blades, the other 4 blades. Our thinking is that, seeing the size of the mobilisation today, Vestas decided not to come to Newport.

Today we tested our systems for getting information and on today’s evidence that was spot on. We had information about the barges leaving Southampton; we had two hours to mobilise. In the future, we will get two hours’ notice.

Vestas workers solidarity
- Homepage: http://savevestas.wordpress.com