car industry
News and articles about work, policy and workers' struggles in manufacturing, research and development, mining and materials around the world.
Enfield Ford Visteon occupation ends with no conclusion...
Some critical comments from a supporter on the ending of the Enfield Visteon occupation, which was recommended by the Unite union, despite there being no clear offer to the workers on the table.
The occupation was an inspiration for many - the spirit of the workers who refused to submit to being blatantly robbed by their bosses seemed to be what many had been waiting for, for far too long - the early possible signs of a resurgence of class struggle.
Ford Visteon Workers Support Group founded
The group, to support the pickets and occupation of sacked Ford Visteon workers, welcomes others to get involved and has a number of upcoming events listed below.
A loose support network had been set up at an open meeting of about 50 people at a rally outside the Enfield Visteon plant on Saturday 4th April. Various people and groups active in organising ongoing practical support for the workers had proposed that we set up better co-ordination and collaboration for this work.
Statement from Ford Visteon workers in Enfield
Statement from the North London Visteon workers, who have ended their occupation of their plant and begun to picket it from outside.
At a hearing at the High Court on Monday 6th April, the union Unite won the right for the Enfield occupation to continue without further legal duress until noon on Thursday 9th April so that negations with Visteon US could take place. (Two local trade union representatives had by then already been served with restraining orders threatening them with prison sentences.)
Visteon: Enfield occupation ends but the struggle continues
Sacked workers occupying Visteon's Enfield plant vacated the premises following announcement of a "deal" discussed with the Unite union.
Workers occupying the Visteon factory in Enfield left the building together at midday today after voting to end in their occupation. There were around 200 people outside to greet the occupiers who, carrying pillows and sleeping bags, descended the spiral steps to rousing applause and chants.
Letters of support from German ex-Visteon workers
Two letters of support from workers at Tedrive - formerly Visteon - car plants in Germany.
Letter from Worker at Tedrive, formerly Visteon in Wuelfrath, Germany
It is good to hear from Visteon workers in England and Ireland fighting back and occupying their factories. In the Visteon plants in Wuelfrath and Dueren (West-Germany) workers have been too patient for too long...
Radio show about Visteon factory occupations
Listen to the Speakers' Corner show, broadcast on Resonance104.4fm in London, about the recent factory occupations in Britain with exclusive interviews from inside the factory. The radio show was done by Will Roche, member of BECTU.
Video: Visteon factory occupation workers go to boss's house
On Monday 6th April 2009, seven days after occupying their factory in Basildon, Essex, the Visteon car plant workers decide to give their former boss, Steve Gawne, a visit at his country manor to hand-deliver a letter demanding justice be served.
Basildon Visteon workers protest outside former boss' home
Axed employees protested outside the £600,000 Maldon home of their former boss – demanding the redundancy and pension packages they were promised.
A total of 170 former workers at Visteon (UK) in Basildon face the dole queue and reduced pensions They waved banners outside the home of Stephen Gawne, 53, who is still a director of Visteon (UK) despite it going into administration.
He is now based at sister company Visteon Engineering Services in Endeavour Drive, Basildon. The firm will not confirm his role there.
Urgent - picket needed in support of UK factory worker occupation in NYC today, Wednesday 8th April
Hundreds of Visteon workers here were all sacked with no redundancy and no pension - they have now occupied two of their three factories (one was evicted by police). They have now won negotiations with Visteon International management in New York City, which are taking place today, Wednesday 8 April at 10 am.
Location of the meeting in NYC is at Kirkland and Ellis at 153 53rd St entrance at plaza level meeting on 50floor conference centre.
So please forward this round lists, indymedias, to anyone in the area who might be able to get down there, and if anyone does make it please take some photos to show the workers here!
Enfield Visteon occupation updates, 7 April
Brief notes on today's key events in the occupation of the Enfield Visteon plant.
- a group of Belfast Visteon workers (from their occupied plant) visited the Enfield plant today and brought their solidarity to a meeting of those in the occupation.
- there is currently a meeting in London of Ford union convenors (also attended by Enfield and Belfast workers) which is discussing the situation
