Hundreds of workers downed tools on Tuesday 21st October two hours before their shift was due to end. This was the first round in a battle to save the Southampton plant. A workforce of 1,100 make Transits there. They are already on a four day week as the recession starts to bite.
The bosses are not talking to the union Unite, though they admit to plans to cut production from 75,000 to 35,000 vehicles by 2011. There are fears that they intend to close the plant and move all production to Turkey.
Motorists hooted support on their horns as the workers walked out.
Transit
One worker said, "They will not shut this plant down without a fight. We are doing this to save our jobs. Another added, "We are willing to do whatever it takes to keep our jobs."
Further action is being considered, including a march through Southampton.
