Reflections on Vestas, August 2009

Something is changing. The Vestas dispute engaged the leftan the trade unions and the climate change movement to an extent that none of the earlier occupations have done.

To make a difference it was necessary to be bold and to move quickly and I think Manchester Trades Council and the Campaign against Climate Change did both. I'm thinking in particular of getting Matthew from Vestas to come and speak at what was a remarkable meeting on the Tuesday evening in the Mechanics. And we are continuing to do so.

This is a battle to force the government to take over a "green" plant which its owners want to abandon.it sums up a good deal of what is wrong with the world today.

If the reports that Ed Milliband wants to do something to save the plant but has been blocked are even only partly true, then there is a division to be exploited. As the Labour Party conference approaches - and the Isle of Wight is not far from Brighton.

It still all depends on the self activity of the workers themselves. In this case the dozen or so plus supporters outside who occupied and now the occupation has finshed want to fight on, organising locally, travelingl the country, speaking at meetings, doing delegation work.Once a group of workers act, the opportunity to organise solidarity is there and speed is of the essence. There is an obvoius lesson here we need to remember well: things are speeding up. Those who don't adjust to this are lost.

One new element in the Vestas battle is the role of Bob CrowReflections on Vestas, Aug 200 and the RMT. Its not quite like having Big Bill Haywood coming down to help but it is part of that tradition, which has not been seen here for a very long time. In any event, having a national union actively in support makes a difference and it is significant that the support came through locally with the Piccadilly RMT branch.