Successful Sunday gate protest at Swansea Linamar plant

Protest for sacked Unite convener Rob Williams and the Linamar workforce

Despite torrential rain and high winds, nothing could dampen the mood of solidarity and support at the Sunday gate protest for sacked Unite convener Rob Williams, a long-standing Socialist Party member, and the Linamar workforce, who will be balloting for strike action this week.

Alec Thraves, Swansea Socialist Party

Around 150 trade unionists, Swansea councillors and Welsh Assembly Members gathered outside the plant with their banners pledging financial and practical support for the struggle to get Rob reinstated.

Despite being threatened with disciplinary action from management, a delegation of Linamar workers from the small Sunday shift came out to the gates in solidarity. The protest was called to show the two hundred plus workers that the trade union movement were fully behind their fight with this vicious, anti union company.

Rob thanked the demonstrators for their support “because if they succeed in sacking me then no convener or shop steward would feel secure!”

The growing anger at Rob’s sacking was reflected in the magnificent rally the previous Wednesday which undoubtedly had a big impact on local politicians of all Parties.

Welsh Assembly Members from Labour, Plaid and the Liberal Democrats all spoke at the protest and pledged support for Rob.

The campaign now heads to North Wales this week where Rob, as a delegate from Swansea Trades Council, will be moving an emergency motion at the Wales TUC. The motion will undoubtedly get unanimous support from delegates across Wales and send a further message to the Linamar Canadian cowboy director Brian Wade that he has bitten off a lot more than even he can chew!