14.20 After the success of today’s mobilization,
the protesters are leaving, while the workers thank all who with courage and
responsibility gathered together to block the cogs of bureaucracy. A battle was won, but
the struggle continues! The auction procedure continues next Thursday.
14.10 An important victory for the struggle of
VIOME! The judicial clerk in charge of
the auction just announced its postponement, citing irregularities in legal
documents. However, nobody can deny that the postponement is a result of the
dynamic mobilization of around 250 supporters, who filled the halls of the courthouse
and demonstrated that the struggle for dignity and self-determination cannot be
intimidated, cannot be auctioned, cannot be liquidated!
13.40 Workers and supporters of VIOME lock their arms and build a dignity chain to prevent the auction, to defend themselves against the attack of the state to this successful example of self-management.
13.30 Riot police are fully equipped with riot gear and tear
gas. If there is an attack on such a narrow space, there will be panic and suffocation. Is the police ready to take responsibility fro such a
crime?
13.20 It is
the turn of the auction of VIOME. The supporters are alert. Will they need to actively confront a bidder and / or the riot police?
13.00 There
are widespread rumours that the bid that will be presented at the acution does not affect VIOME, but the protesters keep on blockading the place
to prevent the auction process, until there is tangible evidence that the offer
applies only to movable property of parent company Filkeram. The atmosphere is tense, the time of the auction is near and
the possibility of a violent conformation
cannot be axcluded.
12.50 According to information from the judicial
authorities, there will
be 13 auctions today in the bankruptcy
court and VIOME is the sixth in the queue. Right now the
second auction is taking place.
12.20
Police calls for the path to open, the protesters will not accept it. The bankruptcy
trustee refuses to cancel the auction. Ther is a lot of police present and even
more VIOME supporters.
12.10 Reports
say that the police will intervene if only
if there is bid at the auction. If they attempt to repress so many people in
such a tight space, will be a crime.
12.00 It is
the time of the formal start of the auction, and the hall of Thessalonikis
bankruptcy courts is now blocked by protesters in solidarity with the struggle
of the workers of VIOME for self management of the factory. A strong message to
the authorities, judges, former owners and prospective buyers that in their
efforts to liquidate the premises and to evict the workers cooperative from the
factory they will be confronted by the whole of society.
11.40 Ex-employees
of Coca-Cola, fighting for years against the closure of the local factory of
the multinational, alongside the workers VIOME.
11.20 Over
100 gathered in solidarity to VIOME at a stiflingly narrow space outside the bankruptcy
court. Police have begun harassing and asking the protesters to leave the site.
The auction is scheduled for 12.00.
11.10
"Have the van ready for arrests" the head of the police operation
just said on the radio.
11.00 The
hall of the bankruptcy court is chock full of police of all colours. Supporters
of VIOME keep coming. Employees of public broadcaster ERT3, of Coka-Cola,
school guards and many more are present today to show their support.
10.50 The
situation is calm currently outside the bankruptcy court. Supporters keep
turning up.
10.40 Very
strong police force outside the room on the second floor of the courthouse of
Thessaloniki, where is scheduled for 12.00 the auction for the sale of the plot
of land of FILKERAM, parent company of VIOME. About 50 workers and solidarity supporters
of VIOME are gathered here, more are expected before 11.00.
