Vestas workers need support in the Isle of Wight this week

Submitted by martin on 29 August, 2009 - 7:10
Vestas

Our best information is that Vestas may try to ship out the wind-turbine blades left in their factories in the Isle of Wight soon, probably this week (31 Aug - 4 Sep).

Protest 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.

Around 11 blades, worth about 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 - according to our information - the blades have been finished. Probably Vestas will want to move them soon, since they have ships booked to take blades from Southampton, and since they need to clear space inside the St Cross factory for other uses.

The workers were evicted from occupation on 7 August, but continue to picket. With support from outside, they can mount serious protest against the movement of the blades and moulds. They have to be moved by barge, at or around high tide.

High tide is 09:45 on Monday 31 August, and 10:41 on Tuesday 1 September. It has been usual for Vestas to work on bank holidays.

AWL members at the Climate Camp now in progress in London will be appealing to activists there to come to the Isle of Wight.


The main Vestas factory is on Monk's Brook, in the St Cross industrial estate, on the edge of Newport (walking distance from Newport town centre). There are ferries to the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth (to Ryde) or Southampton (to East Cowes and Cowes), and good bus services for the short journeys from Ryde or Cowes to Newport. The phone number in the caravan which serves as an office for the Vestas workers' committee on the picket line is 07756 659 234.

This website uses cookies, you can find out more and set your preferences here.
By continuing to use this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.