Emergency resolution: Vestas, Copenhagen and Green Jobs

The following resolution, submitted by TfL no.1 branch and seconded by Hammersmith & City branch, was passed by the October meeting of the Regional Council.

This branch recognises the importance of the fight for green jobs and the upcoming climate talks in Copenhagen.

The branch applauds the EC/Leadership for the decision to recruit workers at the now closed Vestas wind turbine factory and implores it to continue the fight for justice for the workers including those in the occupation, for a publically owned alternative to Vestas on the Isle of Wight making turbines for home consumption, as well as demanding the public ownership of utility companies to ensure a joined-up energy policy and a sustainable future.

This branch asks the EC to publicise the issues of the climate talks in Copenhagen to members, to encourage branches to come with banners to the climate march called by CCC and others on 5 December and to send at least one member to team up with other trade unionists at the alternative climate summit and demonstrations in Copenhagen this December.

This branch also notes the appeal of Plymouth Trades Council for urgent help to bolster their fight against nuclear dumping in Plymouth proposed by ‘managers’ of waste at the private Babcock Marina. We ask the EC to publicise the issue and encourage branches to attend the demonstration in Devonport on Saturday 31 October and at future demonstrations. We ask the EC to take the Vestas and green jobs campaign to Devon to give the people of Plymouth a viable alternative to the mess caused by the Royal Navy and private profiteers.