Bosses at Wyndeham Impact printers in Basingstoke have locked out 58 workers after protests over redundancies and wage cuts. Though the factory remains profitable, bosses have already threatened to close it permanently.
Yesterday (Friday) workers assembled for their 23rd weekly protest at their treatment, due to start at 430pm.
Just before the protest was due to start management told everyone on the day shift to leave early. The late shift was contacted and told not to come in. The factory’s gates were locked.
Workers told Socialist Worker that they plan to report for work on Monday morning as usual, since there has been no contact from management. Workers are discussing how to proceed with their union, Unite, and may call further protests next week.
Sara Bennett, from Unite’s national executive, spoke to Socialist Worker in a personal capacity. She said, “We can’t underestimate the length that bosses are willing to go to. The economic crisis is having a severe impact in the print and manufacturing sectors.
“The union needs to be 100 percent behind any group of workers who are willing to stand and fight. The union needs to take a lead and do everything it can to get support for these workers.”
Whatever their plans around the lock out, management is proceeding with closure plans. It has begun posting out redundancy agreements for workers to sign.
Send messages of support to Wyndeham Unite, FOC (union rep) Steve Adams 07884 430 305
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