The Isle of Wight became the centre of the national media’s attention back in July 2009 – 15 years ago – when disgruntled workers at Vestas in Newport began a sit-in protest, which went on to last more than 2 weeks.
It was on the night of 20th July 2009 that Police were called to St Cross Business Park amid reports that a group of around 25 people had occupied the wind turbine factory and were refusing to leave in protest over its closure, with the loss of 625 jobs.
The situation soon developed with crowds of supporters gathering on the mini roundabout outside, which later became an encampment.
Hampshire Constabulary mobilised the troops – well, officers – for what had become a major disturbance.
There has been nothing like it on the Island since. Before long, the media descended (this reporter included) to bring the workers’ campaign to international attention. The Sky News helicopter circled overhead and the live broadcasts began. The coverage continued to dominate the headlines over the following days.
Banners were draped over the side of the balcony reading ‘jobs worth fighting for’ and ‘forced to occupy to save our jobs’. At one point, a plane flew over Newport towing a banner that read ‘Save our jobs, Save the Island!’.
Vestas, unsurprisingly, launched legal challenges which took matters to the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on 29th July. But the workers and their supporters were not going to go down without a fight, with the protest going mobile. Crowds marched through the streets from Vestas, down through Riverway and to the court in Newport Town Centre.
On Quay Street, crowds of all ages gathered outside the court doors. Socialist Worker was handing out copies of its latest edition and there was even a band playing. The beat of the drum kept the chants going.
At a second court hearing on 6th August, the court granted a possession order. The bailiffs were sent in the next day and the remaining 6 protesters peacefully left the factory after 18 days of occupation. Some jumped down or abseiled from the balcony, in full view of the gathered press and public, before being escorted away by Police.
Meanwhile, in East Cowes, a protest on the roof of the Columbine Building by climate protestors continued. They eventually came down on 14th August after 11 days.
Those who had lasted the duration became heroes in the eyes of many that day, and they are still recognised to this day for their actions.
The Vestas sit-in protest was by far one of the largest Police operations on the Island in recent times.
Will history repeat itself now that a Labour government is back at the helm, like in 2009…?
PHOTO GALLERY:
All photos: Darren Toogood/Island Echo
How dare they fight for their jobs! Don’t they know the shareholders will make more money if it’s outsourced to Asia? Will someone please think of the shareholders!
That last comment clearly shows that island echo is very much a bias tory supporter
15 years on and facing mass redundancies again… Badly timed article.