shipbuilding - occupation at appledore
WORKERS, NOVEMBER 2003 ISSUE
Workers at Appledore Shipbuilders in North Devon have occupied their yard in a fight to save 550 jobs. The company has been put into the hands of receivers and the yard is up for sale.
The receivers have been allowed in so that the workers can access benefits and statutory redundancy money, but the workers are still in control of the yard.
Tragically, the apprentices at Appledore have also been dismissed but they have returned to work even though they are not being paid. They are being taught by some of the former workforce who likewise are getting no money.
The unions are seeking an urgent meeting with the receivers to see what can be done to save jobs.