Vestas Occupation

As Workers Uniting Group supporters will be aware a number of employees and workers employed at the Danish owned Vestas Windsystems on the Isle of Wight are occupying their factory in to try to defend their jobs and calling on the Government to nationalise the plant - the UK's only manufacturer of wind turbine blades.

A group of around 24 workers have occupied the first floor of an administration building at the plant.

The company are threatening those occupying the plant if they don't leave by tonight (Thursday) they will be arrested.

It is reported that managers have been involved in talks with the group and are expected to discuss those talks with the company’s senior management tonight.

Mark Smith, said they had also called for the company to negotiate with workers over redundancy packages.

"We had the discussions about what we wanted through a window. They have told us they want this to end as soon as possible but I will not leave until this is sorted out. They told us anyone who left in the next two hours would not be charged and would get the same redundancy package as they originally offered. If we don’t go they have said we could be charged with aggravated trespass. It’s up to individuals here but I am not planning on leaving," said Mr Smith.

He said the group, which had been planning the sit in for around three weeks, had been offered legal help and other support from a number of trade unions and environmental groups and were hoping to talk to lawyers this evening.

The group had been keeping in touch with supporters outside using internet social network sites, including MSN, however Vestas has since shut down all internet access. Police have restricted access to the site and prevented people from giving food to the protestors.

To keep upto date with developments you can visit a special website set up by the workers and send messages of solidarity to those sitting in at:

http://savevestas.wordpress.com/