Britain: Visteon workers occupy plants!

[Matina]

Visteon workers in Enfield and Basildon have joined with Belfast workers in occupying their plants. Management have put the firm into administration. Belfast workers have been defending their occupation by staying in overnight. The workers are taking action because they have to. They were just brutally kicked off the premises without any notice. If management get away with this, 600 workers at the three plants will be sacked and left on the minimum statutory redundancy pay. Statutory redundancy pay is paltry. Even workers with 30 years’ service are only entitled to £9,000 and most will get far less.


In Belfast John McGowan, shift leader at Visteon, said: “I’m just dumbstruck. I feel it’s totally unjust the way we’re being treated by the company. They have had redundancy packages in the past due to the downturn in sales.


“Last year they were offering redundancy packages of £30,000 minimum. Now they’re telling me for my 30 years loyalty to this company I’m getting a redundancy package which is capped at just over £9,000. That’s totally unjust and unfair.”


The background to the dispute is that Visteon was spun off from Ford as a scam to attack workers’ pay and conditions. Before incorporation in 2000 the plants were part of the Ford combine, making parts for the cars. The workers were on the normal Ford wages and conditions. The bosses’ idea was to uncouple workers’ pay at the component suppliers from those in the main plant. Visteon workers have consistently fought attempts to downgrade their labour since 2000, but now management says the firm is losing money.


Going into administration will also put the workers’ pensions in peril. The money will end up in the Pension Protection Fund, where it will in effect become a zombie fund, with no top-ups and guarantees to the workers and pensioners not honoured, as they would have to do if Raytheon were a going concern.
No flies on Raytheon management. They have setup a separate outfit called Visteon Engineering Services, which is in effect a life raft to carry their own pensions to safety away from the wreckage of Raytheon that they have created.


Over and over again Ford management swore blind that the creation of Raytheon was not just a device to enable them to dodge out of their obligations to the components’ workforce. Redundant Ford workers have always walked away with a decent package in the past. In 2000 Ford gave workers cast iron guarantees, which they have shamelessly broken.
The occupying workers are appealing to Ford workers for solidarity in the form of blacking alternative sources of supply for the components Raytheon have always delivered. Putting Raytheon into administration is a squalid manoeuvre to load the crisis in the motor industry onto the workers. But the workers are fighting back! We see the unity in action of Protestant and Catholic workers in Belfast, and of British and Irish workers across these islands.

[Matina]

Factory occupations should be regarded in a favorable light by revolutionaries. They show high levels of class consciousness and pose the question of ownership of the means of production by the workers.
Of course a factory cannot be occupied indefinately, as a dual power exists at all times. It is a dialectical contradiction which will result to either the workers winning or the management. As we can't have socialism in one factory, the workers are probably going to lose this struggle if the factory occupation movement does not spread. But of course the conditions are not ripe for that. On any rate, this is a very important lesson for the workers and it raises their militancy and class consciousness.

(That's my commentary:))

[cyu]

the conditions are not ripe for that.


Our job is to hasten the ripening process :D

While it's not so great if an occupation doesn't result in permanent employee democracy at that company, it is better than nothing. Even if the employees are only able to get limited concessions (such as better health care or workplace safety) from the execs, we should encourage occupations over the old boring work-stoppage strike as a standard tactic widespread among union members.

Maybe at first these occupations in your country may just win modest gains, but if they are common enough, then eventually, one of these occupations will result in permanent employee democracy. After one, then two, then more - you see where I'm going with this, right? :lol:

[Matina]

Maybe at first these occupations in your country may just win modest gains, but if they are common enough, then eventually, one of these occupations will result in permanent employee democracy. After one, then two, then more - you see where I'm going with this, right?

The revolutionary movement does not move in a linear fashion. So I don't think that this is correct. If it moved like that it would be easier for the employers to repress this movement. The revolutionary movement moves with "explosions", with leaps and bumps ie. in a dialectical fashion. This is why we have revolution and not evolution.

These factory occupations pose the question of power, while at the same time giving valuable militant experience to the working class and raises their class consciousness. For that , the factory occupations are a great tool in the school of revolution for the workers.

[cyu]

The revolutionary movement does not move in a linear fashion. So I don't think that this is correct. If it moved like that it would be easier for the employers to repress this movement. The revolutionary movement moves with "explosions", with leaps and bumps
Sure, I agree - and I certainly hope it's not linear, but I would rather hope revolutionary thought develops in parallel across society.

Yes, there are jumps - for example, just this year I've heard about so many more workplace occupations than in the years when I first joined revleft.

The Argentine recovered factory movement, for example, was sparked by their economic collapse. Something similar is happening globally right now - will it go as far as the Argentine movement? Will it go further? Instead of trying to predict the chances of success, I would instead encourage people to help the process along, thereby increasing the probability of success.

As for other similar movements, the Brazilian Landless Workers' Movement is another great example. I'm not sure what sparked it - I really should spend some time looking into their history one of these days :D

[Forward Union]

One of the factories is next to me house.

Been out supporting them all day.

[Zurdito]

yes we shoudl not be determinsitic about the possibilities of this. zanon in Argentina is a good example:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FaSinPat

Matina is right that there cannot be 2socialism in one factory", but inc ertain conditions an occupied factory can keep moving forward more than we would expect. Just as the class struggle is not linear, neither is it even, rather it is combined and uneven. There can be outposts of the vanguard which can survive for a certain amount of time, there can be impasses between bourgeois and workers where the occupied factory neithe spreads nor degenerates, etc.

None of that can last indefinitely but we should not be determinsitic, rather use these occasions to argue tot he workers that they should fight for the state to expropriate the factory while they keep control of production.

[brigadista]

Sure, I agree - and I certainly hope it's not linear, but I would rather hope revolutionary thought develops in parallel across society.

Yes, there are jumps - for example, just this year I've heard about so many more workplace occupations than in the years when I first joined revleft.

The Argentine recovered factory movement, for example, was sparked by their economic collapse. Something similar is happening globally right now - will it go as far as the Argentine movement? Will it go further? Instead of trying to predict the chances of success, I would instead encourage people to help the process along, thereby increasing the probability of success.

As for other similar movements, the Brazilian Landless Workers' Movement is another great example. I'm not sure what sparked it - I really should spend some time looking into their history one of these days :D


there is nothing like workplace action for developing revolutionary thought...

[Bitter Ashes]

One of the factories is next to me house.

Been out supporting them all day.
That must be awesome!!
I'd so be feeding them with tea and cake until it was coming out of thier ears! ^^
You had much time to chat to them about the left? :)

[Pogue]

That must be awesome!!
I'd so be feeding them with tea and cake until it was coming out of thier ears! ^^
You had much time to chat to them about the left? :)

I think in these situations it's not neccesarily a case of 'talking to them about the left'. I don't think we should wade in armed with copies of this paper or that or pamphlets written by some much loved theoretician of the past. Its never going to appeal to anyone if you walk in with the attitude of a recruiting sergeant, the sort of 'Hey guys, this is great, so join our party' sort of thing. It'd be nice but its an unrealistic thing to expect to appeal. Instead I'd listen to their concerns, their attitudes. I'd engage in a big discussion hearing their points of view. Then, when they'd said their piece, if I was given a chance to speak, I'd mention how I see these actions as part of a wider struggle, and if it hadn't been mentioned before (but you'd be suprised, because these people are not stupid or mindless and do in fact have a clue, contrary to some leftist preachers) I might talk about them networking with other workers in a similar situation, about them continuing or trying to spread this action.

Theres ways you go about doing this and hanging around flogging papers is not the way, nor is preaching to the masses. In occupying this factory they've taken the initiative - on their own, autonomously, as a class. They are in control, they are being radical. Our goal would be to aid them and participate, and yes, we have to give input, because some of the things we see, such as the need to network, etc, might not be so clear in everyones head in every single occupation that happens. We need to go and put forward reccomendations, but seriously, the last thing you want to do is go in with a patronising attitude as a representative of 'the left' and preach to them about capitalism, because that is shit and you'd get ignored.

[Bitter Ashes]

I think in these situations it's not neccesarily a case of 'talking to them about the left'. I don't think we should wade in armed with copies of this paper or that or pamphlets written by some much loved theoretician of the past. Its never going to appeal to anyone if you walk in with the attitude of a recruiting sergeant, the sort of 'Hey guys, this is great, so join our party' sort of thing. It'd be nice but its an unrealistic thing to expect to appeal. Instead I'd listen to their concerns, their attitudes. I'd engage in a big discussion hearing their points of view. Then, when they'd said their piece, if I was given a chance to speak, I'd mention how I see these actions as part of a wider struggle, and if it hadn't been mentioned before (but you'd be suprised, because these people are not stupid or mindless and do in fact have a clue, contrary to some leftist preachers) I might talk about them networking with other workers in a similar situation, about them continuing or trying to spread this action.

Theres ways you go about doing this and hanging around flogging papers is not the way, nor is preaching to the masses. In occupying this factory they've taken the initiative - on their own, autonomously, as a class. They are in control, they are being radical. Our goal would be to aid them and participate, and yes, we have to give input, because some of the things we see, such as the need to network, etc, might not be so clear in everyones head in every single occupation that happens. We need to go and put forward reccomendations, but seriously, the last thing you want to do is go in with a patronising attitude as a representative of 'the left' and preach to them about capitalism, because that is shit and you'd get ignored.
Oh definatly. I'm not talking about going in there with Lenin and Marx and newspapers at all actualy. I'm talking more about encourging them and actualy helping them feel like they're not only doing something for themselves, but also for the greater good. Inspire them by telling them about how great it would be if every workplace in the UK was occupied and there was no more bosses to boot them around and abuse them like this.

[Forward Union]

That must be awesome!!
I'd so be feeding them with tea and cake until it was coming out of thier ears! ^^
You had much time to chat to them about the left? :)

Yes I went down there and told them I'm from the IWW, explained what we're about, and told them I'm there to support what they're doing. They put the london IWW banner up on the fence today and all seem really glad the left is supporting them. Unite do not actually support the strike because it would mean them being involved in illegal activity. But they are trying to negotiate fair redundancies.

Some workers in the plant have apparently talked about restarting work, like the strike bike situation in germany last year. Where the anarchists convinced workers to take control of the factory fully over. but thats a rumor.

They're such cool guys anyway. Really fighting hard. Nice atmosphere at the plant as well, kids doing painting, playing football. Got good music on and what have you.

Im heading back over tomorrow morning. And I'll go round the local pubs asking for donations and stuff.

[Bitter Ashes]

Yes I went down there and told them I'm from the IWW, explained what we're about, and told them I'm there to support what they're doing. They put the london IWW banner up on the fence today and all seem really glad the left is supporting them. Unite do not actually support the strike because it would mean them being involved in illegal activity. But they are trying to negotiate fair redundancies.

Some workers in the plant have apparently talked about restarting work, like the strike bike situation in germany last year. Where the anarchists convinced workers to take control of the factory fully over. but thats a rumor.

They're such cool guys anyway. Really fighting hard. Nice atmosphere at the plant as well, kids doing painting, playing football. Got good music on and what have you.

Im heading back over tomorrow morning. And I'll go round the local pubs asking for donations and stuff.
Wow. yeah. Definatly do that.
If you cant get somebody to donate some cash for these people, see if they're willing to donate some food or anything for them seeing as though they're not getting a source of income from thier employers or UNITE. Local charities may be worth pleading to too.
Wish I could help out.
As for the idea of a permanent occupation, there was something in Indonesia recently like that wasnt there?

[Forward Union]

I think they want beers more than anything else :lol:, car part factories are boring as fuck. But their families and friends are bringing them plenty of food. We're trying to get some cooking equipment down there so they can have hot food again.

[Bitter Ashes]

Awww. You're a real star. Take good care of them :)
See if you can get some stuff from a camping store. Gas may be very convienant, but the solid fuel burning mess stoves will be really cheap.
If there's a freecycle thing operating in your area then have a look on there too to see if anyone's giving away any old microwaves or camping ovens. :)

[Bitter Ashes]

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=66187922020

Facebook seems to have a group

[Pogue]

Yeh a facebook page was set up. I was there all day today. The workers are in good spirits and were pleased to see us come. They've taken alot of intiative themselves and I'm confident they have the intellect and dedication to win this. We're of course there helping them. I particularly liked the emphasis of our lot (anarchists) on them leading and us just helping them, such as with producing leaflets and the like, rather than patronising them or trying to sell them a paper or some shit. I think this could go well as long as the support remains there, and hopefully the local community will respond to our leafletting and get involved. Already theres a good bit of support and it looks like we're getting a good bit of involvement in beginning the fightback.

[cyu]

I don't think we should wade in armed with copies of this paper or that or pamphlets written by some much loved theoretician of the past. Its never going to appeal to anyone if you walk in with the attitude of a recruiting sergeant, the sort of 'Hey guys, this is great, so join our party' sort of thing. It'd be nice but its an unrealistic thing to expect to appeal. Instead I'd listen to their concerns, their attitudes. I'd engage in a big discussion hearing their points of view...

Theres ways you go about doing this and hanging around flogging papers is not the way, nor is preaching to the masses.

Good stuff. I'm trying to think of a few options and the possible reactions:

1) Try to sell me political newspapers / propaganda: This isn't really going to work unless I were already interested in your politics and didn't feel I knew enough - in which case, you wouldn't need to "convert" me anyway. While it does cost money to produce these papers and keep a party structure going, unfortunately this is not a great way to fund it.

2) Give me propaganda for free. I may take it and toss it a few minutes later. Or put it aside and not ever get around to reading it. The pamphlet or what-have-you would really have to be well designed and attention grabbing to get me to read it immediately. If lots of organizations are there handing out stuff, then this is just going to get lost in the shuffle.

3) Give me free food / drink and a few leftist words. The free stuff would definitely be appreciated, and it may get me to appreciate your message more, considering you're making your own sacrifices to help me already.

4) Give me free stuff or support and expect nothing else. "Unconditional" support like this is quite likely to boost morale - and it may make me more open to your opinions, despite the fact that you weren't (explicitly) trying to give them to me in the first place. Widespread support is also more likely to boost courage and conviction in my current actions.

Failing all that, it would also be nice if you could serve them in other ways while they are there. If I had a hotdog stand and couldn't afford to give them free food, I wouldn't feel guilty about taking my stand there anyway - just to give them a source of food and drinks - even if I had to charge for it. If I weren't bad off economically, I would give them a discount or even just sell it based on the cost of the ingredients. If I were behind on my bills, I wouldn't feel bad charging them full price - it's certainly better to have a food stand there available for them than none at all.

[cyu]

car part factories are boring as fuck


Some poker cards maybe? Is the electricity still on? If so, there could be a lot more possibilities.

If they wanted to restart production today, could they do it? Do they have the right materials all ready to go?

I don't like thinking about the worst-case scenario, but what do they have to defend themselves with? Gas masks are probably too expensive, but any other possibilities?

What is outreach like there? I hope they aren't all holed up there and isolated from the rest of the community.

[Pogue]

Some poker cards maybe? Is the electricity still on? If so, there could be a lot more possibilities.

If they wanted to restart production today, could they do it? Do they have the right materials all ready to go?

I don't like thinking about the worst-case scenario, but what do they have to defend themselves with? Gas masks are probably too expensive, but any other possibilities?

What is outreach like there? I hope they aren't all holed up there and isolated from the rest of the community.

Don't worry we're certainly thinking about all this.

[Pogue]

Good stuff. I'm trying to think of a few options and the possible reactions:

1) Try to sell me political newspapers / propaganda: This isn't really going to work unless I were already interested in your politics and didn't feel I knew enough - in which case, you wouldn't need to "convert" me anyway. While it does cost money to produce these papers and keep a party structure going, unfortunately this is not a great way to fund it.

2) Give me propaganda for free. I may take it and toss it a few minutes later. Or put it aside and not ever get around to reading it. The pamphlet or what-have-you would really have to be well designed and attention grabbing to get me to read it immediately. If lots of organizations are there handing out stuff, then this is just going to get lost in the shuffle.

3) Give me free food / drink and a few leftist words. The free stuff would definitely be appreciated, and it may get me to appreciate your message more, considering you're making your own sacrifices to help me already.

4) Give me free stuff or support and expect nothing else. "Unconditional" support like this is quite likely to boost morale - and it may make me more open to your opinions, despite the fact that you weren't (explicitly) trying to give them to me in the first place. Widespread support is also more likely to boost courage and conviction in my current actions.

Failing all that, it would also be nice if you could serve them in other ways while they are there. If I had a hotdog stand and couldn't afford to give them free food, I wouldn't feel guilty about taking my stand there anyway - just to give them a source of food and drinks - even if I had to charge for it. If I weren't bad off economically, I would give them a discount or even just sell it based on the cost of the ingredients. If I were behind on my bills, I wouldn't feel bad charging them full price - it's certainly better to have a food stand there available for them than none at all.

Well as far as I am concerned primarily we support them in their struggle. But if theres a bunch of anarchists with their banners constantly trying to work out how to help these people, they'll remember it and they'll think about it. Also, we talk to them, but we don't go "So, anarchism...", we'd say stuff that is more relevant, without going into ideologies, for example we might mention how their struggle is part of the wider struggle against capitalism, and then build from their, but without preaching, just mentioning it in discussion. But primarily we just have to focus on supporting them, because they're the ones carrying out this struggle and they know what they're doing, they're taking the initiative and carrying out the fight back we all want to see.

[Forward Union]

Send letters or financial support (cheques) payable to "HSG" "PO Box 2474, London, N8.

That's Harringey Solidarity Group, they'll make sure all money goes to the strike fund.

I'm trying to get the pubs and local shops to donate things. A group of us, including HLVS leafleted all the tower blocks and roads nearby yesterday. One woman chatted to me and some girl from the AF and was very supportive.

[Patchd]

I'll be visiting on or after Tuesday, not back in London till then. I'm guessing food contributions will still be accepted?

[Pogue]

I'm sure they will, if not by the occupiers themselves you could hand them out to supporters around the factory. Do you have any tents, sleeping bags, anything else you think would be useful?

[cyu]

Don't worry we're certainly thinking about all this.


That's very encouraging to hear :thumbup:

[Patchd]

I'm sure they will, if not by the occupiers themselves you could hand them out to supporters around the factory. Do you have any tents, sleeping bags, anything else you think would be useful?

No fraid not, I might have a spare blanket or two, but I don't have a sleeping bag anymore, or a tent. I'll bring the spare blankets and some food for them on Tuesday then :)

What's the closest tube/bus route there? Mind you, I guess I could just check up on journeyplanner.

[Pogue]

Journey planner'd tell you the best route, but theres a station called Ponders End right by the factory.

[redarmyfaction38]

Visteon workers in Enfield and Basildon have joined with Belfast workers in occupying their plants. Management have put the firm into administration. Belfast workers have been defending their occupation by staying in overnight. The workers are taking action because they have to. They were just brutally kicked off the premises without any notice. If management get away with this, 600 workers at the three plants will be sacked and left on the minimum statutory redundancy pay. Statutory redundancy pay is paltry. Even workers with 30 years’ service are only entitled to £9,000 and most will get far less.


In Belfast John McGowan, shift leader at Visteon, said: “I’m just dumbstruck. I feel it’s totally unjust the way we’re being treated by the company. They have had redundancy packages in the past due to the downturn in sales.


“Last year they were offering redundancy packages of £30,000 minimum. Now they’re telling me for my 30 years loyalty to this company I’m getting a redundancy package which is capped at just over £9,000. That’s totally unjust and unfair.”


The background to the dispute is that Visteon was spun off from Ford as a scam to attack workers’ pay and conditions. Before incorporation in 2000 the plants were part of the Ford combine, making parts for the cars. The workers were on the normal Ford wages and conditions. The bosses’ idea was to uncouple workers’ pay at the component suppliers from those in the main plant. Visteon workers have consistently fought attempts to downgrade their labour since 2000, but now management says the firm is losing money.


Going into administration will also put the workers’ pensions in peril. The money will end up in the Pension Protection Fund, where it will in effect become a zombie fund, with no top-ups and guarantees to the workers and pensioners not honoured, as they would have to do if Raytheon were a going concern.
No flies on Raytheon management. They have setup a separate outfit called Visteon Engineering Services, which is in effect a life raft to carry their own pensions to safety away from the wreckage of Raytheon that they have created.


Over and over again Ford management swore blind that the creation of Raytheon was not just a device to enable them to dodge out of their obligations to the components’ workforce. Redundant Ford workers have always walked away with a decent package in the past. In 2000 Ford gave workers cast iron guarantees, which they have shamelessly broken.
The occupying workers are appealing to Ford workers for solidarity in the form of blacking alternative sources of supply for the components Raytheon have always delivered. Putting Raytheon into administration is a squalid manoeuvre to load the crisis in the motor industry onto the workers. But the workers are fighting back! We see the unity in action of Protestant and Catholic workers in Belfast, and of British and Irish workers across these islands.
occupying the plant is a direct challenge to capitalist property.
these workers need all our support. it is time for solidarity in action rather than marching to different tunes.
promises from a capitalist company, time has proved the marxist analysis of economic necessities according to the capitalist world wide companies.
it is our time comrades.

[Forward Union]

We got a film showing of the Argentine factory occupations going yesterday. Showed how the workers took control of the means of production and won. Turned the factory into a workers co op.

They all started discussing the possibility, liked the idea of equal wages and decision making...

We'll see. It's their struggle and all we can do is support whatever they decide to do. They've taken a big step in occupying the factory and they're and inspiration to all of us even if they don't take it further.

They realize they've got to find work after this (if they lose), and don't want a criminal record on top of a job loss. But that's the risk at the end of the day.

[Bitter Ashes]

We got a film showing of the Argentine factory occupations going yesterday. Showed how the workers took control of the means of production and won. Turned the factory into a workers co op.

They all started discussing the possibility, liked the idea of equal wages and decision making...

We'll see. It's their struggle and all we can do is support whatever they decide to do. They've taken a big step in occupying the factory and they're and inspiration to all of us even if they don't take it further.

They realize they've got to find work after this (if they lose), and don't want a criminal record on top of a job loss. But that's the risk at the end of the day.
Excellent work! :D
I'm so proud of that lot down there! ^^

[Vanguard1917]

Good article published today reporting on the strike:


------------------

Monday 6 April 2009
‘I never thought I would be a squatter’
Patrick Hayes reports from Visteon in Enfield, where sacked workers launched a surprise occupation of their factory.
Patrick Hayes

On Wednesday 1 April, as anti-capitalist protesters gathered for the G20 in London, a more modest yet more positive protest was taking place in the London borough of Enfield.

On the morning of Tuesday 31 March, all of the computer systems at the Visteon plant in Enfield, which manufactures plastic components for Ford, Jaguar and Landrover, went down. The workers, numbering over 200, were then summoned to a meeting with appointed administrators KPMG, which reportedly lasted for six minutes. At the meeting, they were told that Visteon UK had gone into receivership, they were being made redundant straight away, and they had to leave the factory immediately.

The shocked workers left the plant; they could, they were told, collect their belongings in a two-hour window from 10am to 12pm the following day. One of the workers, Ron Clarke, candidly tells me: ‘They caught us with our pants down.’ That evening, the newly redundant workers spoke to each other constantly on their mobile phones. What just happened? Why aren’t our contracts being honoured? What is the union’s position? Why didn’t we see it coming? What can we do? The calls increased as news of an overnight sit-in at the Visteon plant in Belfast were confirmed (workers were treated badly there, too), and there arose ‘a feeling’, one of the workers tells me, ‘that there was something we could do’.

The following morning, workers gathered outside the factory in the nondescript, quiet industrial park by Ponders End train station, bouncing ideas around and talking in hurried tones. It became clear that the security guards were anticipating trouble, especially following the Belfast sit-in, ‘and there was no way they were going to let all the rabble in’, one of the workers said.

However, many of them had worked in the factory for decades, some for 40 years, which meant they knew ‘every inch of the place, better than our own homes’. Some workers had been security guards there and many knew of a fire exit with a ‘dodgy lock’. The lock proved to be dodgy as ever and, with the briefest pause for thought, over 100 workers seized the moment and entered the plant: they occupied the roof and a section of the plant itself.

On Saturday, the plant remained occupied. ‘Upstairs’, said a worker from East Ham, there are ‘lots who have never done anything like this before’: ‘Some women are deeply religious and some have health problems.’ But, he said, they plan to stay. One woman, who had worked at the Visteon plant for 21 years, told me one of the security guards had tried to intimidate her, but she shrugged him off: ‘This is our factory, who are you to tell me what to do?’

Their demands are modest. Many of the workers accept that the factory is unprofitable. They have seen the number of workers drop to almost a fifth of the number who worked there a few years ago; Visteon lost $372million in 2007 (1). Long before the recession, its owners had planned to restructure it. However, as one worker said, all of this has had the effect of ‘making us think we’ve got even less to lose by doing this’.

Ron Clarke addressed the assembled crowd from his tower: ‘I just want my job back.’ And then, prompting a huge cheer from the 100 workers inside, he said: ‘We all want our jobs back.’ However, everyone I spoke to said they would compromise if they were treated fairly. Rather than accepting a pitiful sum of statutory redundancy money – a mere £9,000 for those who have worked there for 40 years – they called for the terms of their original Ford contracts to be honoured. At most, they want the option to transfer their jobs to the Ford plant at nearby Dagenham.

Their hastily spray-painted banners demanding ‘Ford Terms’, ‘Ford Pay Up’ and ‘Give my daddy his money’ were clear statements of straightforward self-interest. It seems clear that if the management hadn’t taken a hardline approach – in contrast to their company’s statement of ethics (2) – then this occupation would not have happened.

The protesters were tired by Saturday, three days into their protest, with a hundred people sleeping on a factory floor with at least one man ‘who snores so bad, we’re going to have to put him on the roof’. And yet morale was quite high, bolstered by a demonstration of 300 supporters. They included various political groups, the local community, and workers from Ford and the Visteon plant in Basildon, who – due to an intervention by Essex police – failed to occupy their plant. Posted outside of the factory is a statement of ‘squatters’ rights’ signed by the workers. But no one is sure if that will hold water.

‘I never thought I would be a squatter’, jokes Paul, a young father who came to work at the Enfield plant fourteen-and-a-half years ago after finishing school. ‘But I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be, or anybody else I’d rather be squatting with.’

In Enfield, there hasn’t been a single one of the 3,600 new therapists trained by the government to treat those in need of ‘psychological help’ as a result of the recession and redundancy (3). However, the experience of the occupation has brought people closer together. As one of the workers told me, ‘ sometimes you’d say “good morning” to people and they’d mumble a bit. But since the sit-in, it’s all been “Are you okay? Is there anything I can do? Are you sure?”’

An event like the protest at Visteon in Enfield does not represent the ‘green shoots’ of a new workers’ movement. But this is a positive example of people demanding something better for themselves, working together and taking things into their own hands. If the events in Enfield inspire others not to go quietly from their workplaces, that will be all to the good.

[B]Patrick Hayes is a co-founder and organiser of the IoI Current Affairs Forum (http://www.instituteofideas.com/events/currentaffairs.html).

(1) Visteon - annual report 2007 (http://library.corporate-ir.net/library/12/122/122447/items/288256/2007AnnualReport.pdf)
(2) Ethics and Integrity Policy (http://www.visteon.com/company/csr/images/Ethics%20and%20Integrity%20Policy.pdf), Visteon
(3) Victims of recession to get free therapy (http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/mar/08/recession-therapy-nhs-mental-health), Guardian, 8 March 2009


reprinted from: http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php?/site/article/6435/

[Zurdito]

We got a film showing of the Argentine factory occupations going yesterday. Showed how the workers took control of the means of production and won. Turned the factory into a workers co op.

They all started discussing the possibility, liked the idea of equal wages and decision making...

We'll see. It's their struggle and all we can do is support whatever they decide to do. They've taken a big step in occupying the factory and they're and inspiration to all of us even if they don't take it further.

They realize they've got to find work after this (if they lose), and don't want a criminal record on top of a job loss. But that's the risk at the end of the day.

It was a good move to show the film

Incidentally, Zanon (I take it was about that) would not have got where it did if the left had only "supported what the workers decided to do". most of the films on it don't show this side of the story, but a trotskyist party, the PTS, won over two workers who played a leading role in the occupation, who are now openly PTS, to the need to give an ideological leadership to the struggle, fighting for unity with the unemployed, solidarity with local indigenous groups, to fight for state expropriation under workers control, etc. Without ideological leaders like these workers, I can assure you Zanon would not be where it is today. My proof? There were over 2000 occupied factories in Argentina, and only Zanon, where RG and M took on the ideological leadership (which inno way means priveliges) of their co-workers, did the process have so much success.

The great majority of occupied factories this didn't happen, and the workers were eventually defeated, because they did not have revolutionary ideological leaders inside the factory.

[Forward Union]

"Hi there,
just come from the High Court. The great news is that Kevin has not been charged and the company has agreed for Kevin to fly to the United States to talk to the head of the company to negotiate with them for all the affected factories in the UK. The time for negotiating an agreement was given until this Wednesday. Nothing much was said or I did not get the full details.

Information was being distributed today at the court about a meeting tonight. It will take place at the North London Community Centre. 22 Moorefield Rd. N17 6PY - one min walk from Bruce Grove BR station . buses 149, 259 and 279 from Enfield and Seven sisters. Speakers include a Visteon Occupation representative, Sean Vernell from the University and College Union National Executive Committee, DayMer Representative and others TBC. > contact Keith Flett (Haringey TUC) for more details on 07803167266.

I believe this is a Trades Council meeting and is different from tomorrow's Unite-the Union Executive Board meeting. But check it out.

Take care,
marta"

[KC]

We got a film showing of the Argentine factory occupations going yesterday.

Was that film The Take? Also, as opposed to just discussing the prospect of turning this into a coop, has there been talk of the wider labor movement and the Visteon workers' role in that movement? It would be a much more profound success if the Visteon workers reached out to others for support through strikes or something like that. I know that was a missed opportunity with the Republic workers here.

[Forward Union]

Was that film The Take? Also, as opposed to just discussing the prospect of turning this into a coop, has there been talk of the wider labor movement and the Visteon workers' role in that movement? It would be a much more profound success if the Visteon workers reached out to others for support through strikes or something like that. I know that was a missed opportunity with the Republic workers here.

Thats the one yea. They have sent messages of solidarity to the occupied schools in glasgow.

[cyu]

They realize they've got to find work after this (if they lose), and don't want a criminal record on top of a job loss.


You know what they say - history books are written by the winners. Depending on which way the winds blow, they may either be regarded as heroes or criminals. If you let yourself be blown by the wind, then you may be tempted to take a safe way out (in the short run, it may be better for you and your family, but in the long run, society will suffer).

It is better to be doing the blowing.

[Forward Union]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUXFyoLgmRE&feature=player_embedded

[Bitter Ashes]

I'm pretty suprised nobody's posted about this yet.
The workers of the Enfield factory have now left too, following the meeting in the USA with Ford, which is claimed to have had "postive results". There will be a further meeting on Tuesday to discuss what settlement Ford is willing to offer. Until then, there is a 24 hour picket at the site bieng done by a rota of workers to prevent means of production from bieng removed, or scabs entering.

[h0m0revolutionary]

IWW have published a report :)

http://www.iww.org.au/node/872

[Patchd]

Pickets are continuing from what I heard, I'm heading up today if anyone wants to join us. We missed the morning picket around 6 or 7am.

[The Feral Underclass]

Have you been going down?

[Forward Union]

Kom the picket is 24/7. Some of the organisers have said add yourselves to the picket rotar or don't come, individual efforts are not worht it. I don't share that sentiment, but you should add yourselves to the rotar.

Do a night shift if you want to be a working class hero. I though a night in the factory was bad enough.

[Pogue]

I might be able to make a picket later on in the week, what are the demands and goals of the workers now they're picketing, not occupying?

[Pogue]

Someone has probably mentioned it to me in an email but I have literally received 50 emails over the past 3 days.

[Patchd]

Kom the picket is 24/7. Some of the organisers have said add yourselves to the picket rotar or don't come, individual efforts are not worht it. I don't share that sentiment, but you should add yourselves to the rotar.

Not sure where to find the rota, but I went yesterday under the impression that the boss was coming cos someone told me so, so I went to give some support, turns out that he was coming today but I have to head off to drop some stuff for me mum.


Do a night shift if you want to be a working class hero. I though a night in the factory was bad enough.

I'd be happy to do that if you can point me to the rota, still who said anything about becoming a working class hero? :confused:

[Bitter Ashes]

Recieved this email from the Visteon Facebook group:

Subject: FORD VISTEON SOLIDARITY GATHERING/RALLY SATURDAY 18th APRIL - 11am

FORD VISTEON SOLIDARITY GATHERING/RALLY
SATURDAY 18th APRIL - 11am


note date was qwrong on previous message


At the Enfield Factory
Morson Rd (Gate 5), EN3 4NQ - nr Ponders End train station, Enfield
[The plant is 5mins walk across the footbridge, southwards down the main road and turn left into Morson Rd]


Following the insulting and unacceptable offer from Visteon this week the sacked workers are stepping up their 24/7 picket of the Enfield factory. The Belfast and Basildon Visteon workers have also rejected the offer. Now more than ever they need support and solidarity for their decision to continue their struggle for justice.

Come along to find out what is happening at the factory and what people can do to help step up the campaign.

The Fight Goes On!


Gathering/Rally called by the Ford Visteon Workers Support Group.

[Forward Union]

If anyone wants to come down to this at any point let me know. I live in flats nearby and can put you up for the night.

[Hoxhaist]

any ideas why American workers havent stood together like these workers? Solidarity from America!

[la lucha sigue]

Anyone hear how the Belfast workers got on in court this morning? Even if the court has given its blessing to their eviction, the police will not relish going in to west belfast in the current climate to enforce the judgment.

[cyu]

Even if the court has given its blessing to their eviction, the police will not relish going in to west belfast in the current climate to enforce the judgment.
Sort of makes you wonder how they can continue to claim to be a democracy instead of a plutocracy.

[la lucha sigue]

bbc are reporting that belfast case was adjourned until friday. i don't have enough posts here to link to the article, you'll find it in the bbc northern ireland section, and probably elsewhere

[Bilan]

Visteon Occupations: Workers search for the extension of the struggle.

The occupation of the Visteon car part plants in Belfast, Enfield and Basildon at the beginning of April is a small but important sign that workers are not prepared to lie down and accept the mauling that capitalism in crisis is inflicting on their jobs and living conditions. The striking thing about these occupations is, first, that workers responded very rapidly to the announcement of redundancies on the worst possible terms (minimal redundancy payments and no guarantees of last week's wages being paid...), occupying the plant in Belfast and almost immediately afterwards in Enfield and Basildon. Although the Basildon occupation seems to have ended, the workers have stayed outside the plant to voice their anger.
Secondly, there is a very strong feeling of solidarity behind these actions and a real desire to extend the struggle. The occupation in Belfast encouraged the Enfield workers to follow their example. An Enfield worker put it simply: "the workers in Ireland occupied - so we thought, now it's our turn to do something." (Socialist Worker online, 4/4/9). Because the plants used to be owned by Ford and many workers are still working under Ford contracts, the occupying workers straight away talked about sending delegations to Ford plants in Dagenham and Southampton. Workers from other sectors also came to the three plants to show their support, and there was a demonstration outside the Enfield plant where all were welcome.
The main aim of the occupations was not to set up a new company ‘under workers' management' but to put pressure on the bosses to either improve the redundancy deal or withdraw it and find some way of keeping the plant going. The discussions about extending the struggle to Ford were motivated by the same concern.
Occupations can become a trap for workers if they end up shut up inside rather than trying to spread the struggle outwards. The Visteon occupations, even though they are still under union control and face considerable obstacles and difficulties, indicate that we are entering a period where the search for class-wide solidarity more and more becomes a central element in every struggle.
Amos 4/4/9


ICC (http://en.internationalism.org/wr/2009/323/visteon)

[Pogue]

Visteon Occupations: Workers search for the extension of the struggle.

The occupation of the Visteon car part plants in Belfast, Enfield and Basildon at the beginning of April is a small but important sign that workers are not prepared to lie down and accept the mauling that capitalism in crisis is inflicting on their jobs and living conditions. The striking thing about these occupations is, first, that workers responded very rapidly to the announcement of redundancies on the worst possible terms (minimal redundancy payments and no guarantees of last week's wages being paid...), occupying the plant in Belfast and almost immediately afterwards in Enfield and Basildon. Although the Basildon occupation seems to have ended, the workers have stayed outside the plant to voice their anger.
Secondly, there is a very strong feeling of solidarity behind these actions and a real desire to extend the struggle. The occupation in Belfast encouraged the Enfield workers to follow their example. An Enfield worker put it simply: "the workers in Ireland occupied - so we thought, now it's our turn to do something." (Socialist Worker online, 4/4/9). Because the plants used to be owned by Ford and many workers are still working under Ford contracts, the occupying workers straight away talked about sending delegations to Ford plants in Dagenham and Southampton. Workers from other sectors also came to the three plants to show their support, and there was a demonstration outside the Enfield plant where all were welcome.
The main aim of the occupations was not to set up a new company ‘under workers' management' but to put pressure on the bosses to either improve the redundancy deal or withdraw it and find some way of keeping the plant going. The discussions about extending the struggle to Ford were motivated by the same concern.
Occupations can become a trap for workers if they end up shut up inside rather than trying to spread the struggle outwards. The Visteon occupations, even though they are still under union control and face considerable obstacles and difficulties, indicate that we are entering a period where the search for class-wide solidarity more and more becomes a central element in every struggle.
Amos 4/4/9


ICC (http://en.internationalism.org/wr/2009/323/visteon)


Nice, did the ICC send some people to one of the occupation sites?

[Bitter Ashes]

Another email from the Visteon group

Subject: Visteon National Day of Action April 25th

Visteon National Day of Action April 25th

People across the country will be leafletting of Ford dealerships in support of Visteon workers

.. copy off the leaflet from here -

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://libcom.org%2Ftags%2Fvisteon-occupation

and Ford dealership locator here -

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://www.ford.co.uk%2Fcs%2FContentServer%3Fcid%3D120490 3585012%26pagename%3DUKEN_ENGInE%252FLayoutDL%26br and%3DFF%26addresssearchstring%3DEnter%2Btown%2Bor %2Bpostcode%26c%3DPage%26marketlang%3DUK_EN%26site %3DUKEN_ENGInE

there is also talk of a International Day Of Action on 9th May .. keep your ears open

also watch out for for the 'Fraud' T Shirts coming your way soon!

Short notice I know, but anyone could help with this, this weekend. :)

[Forward Union]

http://www.revleft.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=311&pictureid=2392

[Bilan]

Nice, did the ICC send some people to one of the occupation sites?

I'm not sure, you'd have to ask them. I'm not from England, nor from the ICC, just a sympathiser.

[h0m0revolutionary]

For anyone in or around London platformist group Liberty and Solidarity are putting on a BBQ to raise funds for the Visteon workers, details below:

Date: 09 May 2009
Time: 13:00 - 16:00
Location: Freedom Bookshop
Street: Angel Alley, 84b Whitechapel High Street
Town/City: City of London, United Kingdom

map here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Angel+Alley%2C+84b+Whitechapel+High+Street%2C+Ci ty+of+London%2C+United+Kingdom)