Workers at Visteon, following a four-week battle, have gained a victory. After the occupation of the Visteon plants and 24 hour picketing when the company announced its liquidation, Ford/Visteon bosses were finally forced to concede to the workers' demands. Workers in Enfield and Basildon have already voted in favour of the deal, while those at Belfast will be voting soon. Rob Sewell interviewed Rob Fitch, shop steward at the Visteon plant in Basildon, who was also one of the national negotiators that secured the new deal.
Workers at Visteon, following a four-week battle, have gained a victory. After the occupation of the Visteon plants and 24 hour picketing when the company announced its liquidation, Ford/Visteon bosses were finally forced to concede to the workers' demands. Workers in Enfield and Basildon have already voted in favour of the deal, while those at Belfast will be voting soon. Rob Sewell interviewed Rob Fitch, shop steward at the Visteon plant in Basildon, who was also one of the national negotiators that secured the new deal. Rob was asked his view of the outcome.
"It is a great relief for all the workers and their families who held out for justice. More importantly, we, the workers, stood our ground with the support of many people over the last four weeks. We remained solid at the three plants: Basildon, Enfield and Belfast. We were, it must be said, inspired by the example of our brothers and sisters in Belfast who staged the first occupation of the plant. Following their example we stood our ground and finally won.
"The press has tried to make militancy a dirty word. But for me, it means standing up for what you believe in. It means a worker standing up and not taking things lying down. We were very proud to stand up and fight for our rights. This victory shows that militancy does pay.
"I hope that everyone will understand the lessons of the Visteon dispute. We had no alternative but to fight, despite our inexperience. Many of us had little experience of what should be done, like myself who has only been a steward for two months, or Frank Jepson, the convenor, who was only in the position since the end of January. The struggle was like a baptism of fire. But we feel we rose to the occasion and we are proud of what we did.
"I would stay that every worker should join and get involved in their unions. Become active as this fight is your fight.
"We would like in particular through Socialist Appeal to thank all those who helped over the last four weeks. That includes Roger Madison, Tony Woodley, Paul Kruger, Dave Osborne, Richard Carey, Stuart Vaughan, Paula Michel, Trevor Ball, John Tipple and Des Heemskerk. Of course, the list is much longer than that, but I can't mention everyone. It was really marvellous what we all achieved. Many thanks!"