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Factory sit-in protest due to end | Factory sit-in protest due to end |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A sit-in protest by workers at a wind turbine blade factory on the Isle of Wight is expected to end later. | A sit-in protest by workers at a wind turbine blade factory on the Isle of Wight is expected to end later. |
Bailiffs have been called in to remove the remaining six workers who have been ordered to leave the site by 1200 BST. | |
They have occupied Vestas' Newport plant since 20 July over plans to axe 625 jobs. | |
The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) Union has accused owners of "kicking the legs" from under a rescue package that could have saved it from closure. | |
'Fight goes on' | |
General secretary Bob Crow met with energy minister Joan Ruddock on Thursday to discuss the future of the factory. | |
He said: "The fight to get this unit back into production, making turbines for the UK goes on." | |
The Department of Energy and Climate Change said it would not comment on private meetings, but added that discussions had been held with Vestas over the closure. | |
The company has said that subsidies were not the issue and the factory was closing because of a lack of orders. | |
We have always understood the frustrations of the workers but have been surprised at the length of this action Peter Kruse, Vestas spokesman | |
Dave Arbuthnott, 40, who has been inside the factory for 19 days told the BBC that the sit-in protesters were in "high spirits" and looking forward to seeing their families. | Dave Arbuthnott, 40, who has been inside the factory for 19 days told the BBC that the sit-in protesters were in "high spirits" and looking forward to seeing their families. |
"It has managed to get the government to the table, to say we are going to do something about it. | "It has managed to get the government to the table, to say we are going to do something about it. |
"It has pricked people's attention and conscience to react to how they feel about the situation and to do something about it rather than stand back." | "It has pricked people's attention and conscience to react to how they feel about the situation and to do something about it rather than stand back." |
Vestas has blamed the plans to lay off the 625 workers on a drop in demand. | |
Peter Kruse, Vestas spokesman, said: "We are hoping for a peaceful outcome of this occupation. | Peter Kruse, Vestas spokesman, said: "We are hoping for a peaceful outcome of this occupation. |
"We have always understood the frustrations of the workers but have been surprised at the length of this action." | "We have always understood the frustrations of the workers but have been surprised at the length of this action." |
Five people are continuing a rooftop protest at Vestas' Venture Quays building in Cowes which has been occupied since Tuesday. | |