Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/576/7189
From The Socialist newspaper, 22 April 2009
Basildon workers picket Ford showrooms
Eleanor Donne spoke to Frank Jepson, convenor and Robert Fitch of Basildon Visteon.
On Easter Monday in Dagenham, Romford, Billericay, Grays and Basildon, anyone dropping in to a Ford showroom to look at a new car got more than the usual sales pitch. Sacked Visteon workers and supporters, who have been picketing their plant in Basildon were outside.
In Dagenham and Grays the showrooms are in built-up areas and the protests had a good impact, with passers-by taking leaflets and showing support. It was clear that the managers at most of the showrooms were rattled by this action - although in Grays the manager offered to shut the place for the day in support!
In Romford the boss called the police, demanding they remove the leafletters. The police had to point out that no laws were being broken and let the protesters carry on.
Other Ford showrooms across the country were picketed by fellow trade unionists, including action in Bristol, Nottingham and Glasgow.
The phone lines to Ford head office will definitely have been buzzing following the protests. This is the kind of publicity that Ford could do without and keeps up the pressure on Ford and Visteon before more talks between Unite and Visteon.
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In The Socialist 22 April 2009:
Environment and socialism
New Labour's environmental ploy: How green are electric cars?
Visteon
Visteon workers stand up to bosses
Taking the Visteon struggle forward
Basildon workers picket Ford showrooms
Solidarity with the Visteon Workers
Enfield workers say: "Do a Visteon!"
Disbelief at Visteon bosses' offer
Socialist Party election campaign
European elections: a workers' alternative to New Labour takes shape
Socialist Party youth and students
Socialist Party campaigns
G20 Summit death: Independent inquiry into police violence, now!
International socialist news and analysis
Tamil action to stop the war continues
Ireland: Budget savages workers
Marxist analysis: history
Betrayals that led to Thatcher's victory
Socialist Party workplace news
Stead McAlpin: Protesting in London
Unison: a fighting and democratic union needed
Postal workers' solidarity action
Wales FE funding: Victory, but keep the champagne on ice
National Shop Stewards Network conference
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