THE BLOOD PRICE

“On the morning of the 19th of December, 6 activists from 'Glasgow anti-war action' blockaded Weir Pumps Ltd in Glasgow who have been profiting from the war in Iraq. The company who are a supplier to Halliburton are part of a new campaign of direct action with the aim of causing the company sufficient disruption and economic damage, that they stop supplying components to Halliburton.

Further, still, the company make parts for the Trident nuclear submarines based just thirty miles from Glasgow at Faslane. (Some activists involved with Glasgow Anti War Action are from Faslane Peace Camp.)

The activists lay locked-on at the main gate for four hours, and D-locked the other foot-gate causing, as one worker put it, "mass disruption." Workers were very supportive, giving us fists of solidarity, hoots from cars, waves…even tobacco, and advice on where to get the best coffee locally! The management on the other hand responded to one activist who shouted, "Sir, this company is profiting from the war in Iraq. It has blood on its hands," by answering with, "Too right we're profiting from it, you bet, and proud!"

(One worker security guard who was seen as too friendly with the protestors got hauled over by management and disciplined in front of everyone, which indicates, they are worried about worker disapproval too. We intend to contact the union from the company, for whom we have a contact.)

Full report here.

Certainly the Weir group is vulnerable to these allegations.

Their own website states: “In light of the Group’s internal review and findings of the external investigation, the Group regrets that the denials provided to the media earlier this year have now been proved to be incorrect.

The Group’s internal review has revealed a number of areas within the Group’s procedures where improvements can be made. Management is taking the necessary actions to implement these improvements immediately. The Group has also filed disclosures with the relevant authorities.

Sir Robert Smith, Chairman, commented, “We undertook a thorough review of these contracts and although the investigation has not yet concluded the Board considered it essential that we make public the current information. I t is most regrettable that previous statements, whilst made in good faith, were incorrect. The problem dates back to 2000. Shareholders can be assured that the Board will take whatever actions are necessary to address quickly and effectively all concerns identified by the investigations.”

If you’ve a query for Weir contact: Helen Walker

Group PR Manager
The Weir Group PLC

helen.walker@weir.co.uk (0)141 637 7111