LETTERSFrom Vestas Workers Committee:
THE committee wholeheartedly condemns the negative press release issued by the IW Council in reference to the ongoing dispute at Vestas Blades UK.
This committee feels statements made by the council are both biased and likely to result in the support that is Islandwide for the redundant Vestas workers being reversed.
At no time since Vestas announced the mass redundancies from their profitable factory has this council supported the Vestas employees.
The IW is not known for having militant workers; the committee has always stated they would welcome any new company coming to the Island that is prepared to offer permanent employment while treating its employees in a fair and honest manner.
The council is obviously greatly concerned that should Vestas pull out from the Island then further job losses and financial income would be lost, both to the Island in general and to the council’s coffers.
Would this also affect their proposed investment in the Island’s education system? We know of prospective companies that are willing to invest in the Island’s economy but are concerned by the lack of potential sites.
At no time has any employee of Vestas been intimidated by official members of the workers’ committee.
Any action that we have felt inappropriate by supporters has been quickly dealt with. The committee will not condone any acts of intimidation, threats or action which is likely to lead to destruction of property or injury to personnel.
The purpose of speaking to employees at the gate has been to give information of the support available pending their dismissal.
Following the end of temporary labour employment, this action has now ceased.
There is no evidence to substantiate the claim made by the CP that any vehicle damaged was caused by ex- Vestas employees.
Regarding Chief Constable Alex Marshall’s comments (CP, 18-09-09), since the dispute commenced no Vestas worker has been arrested for any offence, all demonstrations have been peaceful and the high level of police presence at times has been totally inappropriate.
On-duty officers have been surprisingly good natured and have commented on the peaceful nature of the dispute. The fence line, security and police presence were all at the request of Vestas.
The security employed by Vestas has at times exceeded its jurisdiction.
This dispute with Vestas will not end until the reinstatement of the 11 sacked workers to include full redundancy package as given to all other workers.
As a group, we will continue to support green issues on our Eco Island, we are fully supportive of the application for wind turbines on Cheverton Down and future green issues that we feel will benefit future generations of Islanders.
Should the council feel that we have lost the support of the public on the Island then we are more than happy to attend a public meeting to discuss this issue.