Building for an International Day of Action
Apr 21 2009 13:45
In Belfast we've been discussing building for an International Day of Action in support of the sacked Visteon workers in Belfast, Basildon, and Enfield. We have provisional support from IWA and IWW so far, and are putting together material to distribute to bring more on board.
A provisional date is Sat 9th May.
In order to get the message across as much as possible to people internationally who don't know what the dispute is about, we were chatting about compiling a list of the best article summaries, and videos/interviews about the struggle. One of the Enfield vids is particularly good, and there's a Belfast one (by SWP) that isn't too bad. And that Belfast Visteon 'post fordism' article is great.
We don't wanna bombard people with emails full of links, so just the most concise would be cool.
We're going to need as much help as possible getting the word out. When the details are confirmed I'll post them up.
Apr 21 2009 17:04
#2
Choccy wrote:
We have provisional support from IWA and IWW so far, and are putting together material to distribute to bring more on board.
Id be interested in hearing more about this.
Apr 21 2009 22:40
#3
Choccy wrote:
A provisional date is Sat 9th May.
fwiw that's Solfed national conference. but don't let 20-odd anarcho-syndicalists in the back room of a pub put an international day of action on hold 
Apr 21 2009 22:47
#4
No sweat we won't
Apr 21 2009 22:47
#5
maybe youse could do shit another time?
Apr 21 2009 22:48
#6
jack now officially loves 'doing shit' after the subway pickets, so this is a distinct possibility. it's on the agenda for our meeting tomorrow in fact.
Apr 22 2009 00:16
#7
awesome
so basically he loves shit that is initiated in Belfast
because Belfast anarchists are the best
Apr 22 2009 00:33
#8
oh we've been discussing what we need to get out, and our friend drew up a list:
"Here's what someone who knew nothing might need.
1. basic details of the action day
2. sample flyer text
3. basic explanation of the situation (for websites, etc)
4. link to maps of Ford locations
5. Support for Writers: links to articles, pictures, and graphics
6. Making the issue personal to people: links for videos"
If anyone thinks they can help with shit like this, please post here. If you know of a Ford showroom map etc post a link, that sort of thing, it's all helpful 
Apr 22 2009 08:29
#9
I've done a Resistence article on it, if you want the text from that.
Apr 22 2009 08:49
#10
We could organise something in Merseyside quite easily, though the Halewood Ford plant and the Jag plant are both on four day weeks, so it wouldn't be on the 9th.
Apr 22 2009 08:54
#11
1. basic details of the action day
Well, this isn't for me to decide, but I would think that what people should do will be related to what is nearest to where they live. So for most people this would be picketing/leafleting Ford dealerships. A preferable option would be that for anyone near a Ford plant, or a manufacturing plant which supplies Ford with parts they go picket/leaflet that.
Other options would be to picket Ford or KPMG offices, or else do some sort of money raising activity on the day.
2. sample flyer text
we've got loads of leaflet texts in different languages on our Visteon occupation tag.
http://libcom.org/tags/visteon-occupation
The support leaflet for Enfield, which has general information in as well, and which was written jointly by the workers is here:
http://libcom.org/library/support-ford-visteon-workers-occupation
Texts of leaflets for Ford workers, all Ford workers in the US also in the Visteonoccupation tag
3. basic explanation of the situation (for websites, etc)
I reckon the Enfield support leaflet would mostly have that covered
4. link to maps of Ford locations
I would have thought to be honest there are so many different places where people can be that it would have to be the responsibility of people themselves to find their nearest locations. Most people could probably find stuff on the Ford website, or on Google.
5. Support for Writers: links to articles, pictures, and graphics
I think we probably have the most articles, pictures, etc here on libcom. We would still like people to post up any more stuff, pictures, etc as it happens.
The site of the Enfield workers support group is at www.Visteonoccupation.org
6. Making the issue personal to people: links for videos"
There are a couple of good ones here:
http://libcom.org/tags/videos
The one currently at the top about the occupation ending is probably the best and most up-to-date one, although it is Enfield focused.
Apr 22 2009 09:30
#12
Steven. wrote:
1. basic details of the action dayWell, this isn't for me to decide, but I would think that what people should do will be related to what is nearest to where they live. So for most people this would be picketing/leafleting Ford dealerships. A preferable option would be that for anyone near a Ford plant, or a manufacturing plant which supplies Ford with parts they go picket/leaflet that.
Other options would be to picket Ford or KPMG offices, or else do some sort of money raising activity on the day.
Apr 22 2009 11:33
#13
here is a link to a ford dealer locator.
Apr 22 2009 11:46
#14
Is this a continetal action? Perhaps I missed something.
Apr 22 2009 12:15
#15
It's an INTERNATIONAL action.
So, Ford plants, offices, showrooms, KPMG offices etc, whatever is closest to where you are organising.
Cheers for all this stuff so far.
Jolly Roger - did you put your Resistance article online?
Apr 22 2009 12:29
#16
Excellent stuff - if I can help with this PM me Choccy
Apr 22 2009 13:02
#17
I got some contact with Enfield support groupand they mentioned the Day of Action this Saturday, 25th.
It doesn't seem to have been publicised much, and I don't know if they'd attempted to make it international.
It seems kinda short notice, and I realise they have to strike a balance between immiediacy, and size. Given that the Belfast workers aren't going anywhere anytime soon and seem, at this stage at least, supportive of our suggested International Day I think it's worth building to something much bigger, international, and well-publicised.
Apr 22 2009 13:02
#18
Afraid not Choccy, just got the word document. I can PM you the content if you'd like. Might want to take out the union bashing though.
Apr 22 2009 13:22
#19
As the W.S.A. is neither in the IWW or IWA, can someone PM me or write to wsany@hotmail.com for more particulars, etc.?
Thanks.
Apr 22 2009 13:47
#20
Yep will do
Apr 22 2009 16:02
#21
You should also contact IFA.
I suspect we'll do something in Manchester - maybe in the morning.
btw, the report has gone in Resistance and will be readable as soon as we put May's issue online. The copy is currently at the printers.
Apr 22 2009 16:24
#22
cool thanks
Apr 22 2009 17:46
#23
Can you guys use some copies?
Could you write something for us on the action over your way for our June issue?
Apr 22 2009 19:28
#24
Yeah should be possible.
Apr 22 2009 19:29
#25
OK - deadline will be around the 18th May.
Can we foist some Resistance on you?
Apr 22 2009 19:34
#26
Of course, likewise, can we foist our new paper, The Leveller, on youse?
Apr 22 2009 19:59
#27
Aye, but let them know ours is 50p jam packed 12 page tabloid, not some aul free rag that'll end up on the ground or in the recycling
Apr 22 2009 20:07
#28
BUT OF COURSE!
Apr 22 2009 20:10
#29
we'd love to see it - when is it due out?
I'll pm you my address.
Apr 22 2009 20:17
#30
Link to reports and interviews with visteon workers by the wsm
http://www.wsm.ie/story/5418
Oh and crucially, the Belfast Visteon workers are supportive and fully behind this Day of Action