Support the Vestas workers! DEMONSTRATE 6PM WED 29 JULY

Vestas workers, the RMT trade union and the working class community of the Isle of Wight are calling for a show of strength in support of the fighting Vestas workers at a demonstration this Wednesday evening outside the factory gates. RMT general secretary Bob Crow will address the public rally at 6pm but all supporters will be welcome at any time during the day. A report will be given of the County Court hearing happening at 10.15am that morning whereby the company is seeking to evict the protesters and a demo is planned outside this venue too.

The wind turbine company has set this Friday (31 July) as the deadline for closing the factory with the loss of 625 jobs. The factory has been under workers’ occupation since Tuesday last week. Communication lines into the factory have been cut and deliveries of food and water have been blockaded by private security guards.

This is a crucial labour dispute about the right to protection from companies who hire and fire, and the right to live in a world where the environment and sustainability are absolute priorities. There is massive support for the striking workers on the Isle of Wight with hundreds of people turning out every night, including as many as 700 on Thursday last week where RMT general secretary spoke. See the video above...

A minibus organised by the Brighton and Hove TUC Unemployed Workers' Centre will be leaving Brighton around 1pm on Wednesday to attend the 6pm demo. Please email us at info.bhsp@gmail.com if you would like to go. Spaces are limited so do hurry.

Alternatively, you can make your own way from London and the South East with these RMT supplied directions:

Travelling from London and the South East: Take the Wightlink ferry from Portsmouth Harbour and then bus number 9 from Ryde Esplanade to Newport town centre (40 minutes) and then a number 1 bus (3-4 minutes), getting off at St Mary’s and follow the signs to St Cross Business Park.

Travelling by car from London and the South East: Travel from Portsmouth Gun Wharf to Fishbourne, when exiting follow signs to Newport town centre and just before the town centre take the A3020 to Cowes and when you see the B&Q shop, turn off the dual carriageway and follow signs to St Cross Business Park

Finally, please send the workers your urgent messages of support and solidarity to savevestas@gmail.com and spread the word of the campaign.