British Aerospace AGM - Hammered Again

On April 30th, BAe found themselves at the end of one of the largest shareholder actions of the season. Around 150 concerned citizens took part in the classic AGM drama. After last years eggs, the bored board were sitting miles away, across plastic plants, behind perspex screens and with loads of employees in the front rows as well as all the security. All to no avail, the meeting didn’t get properly started for an hour and ended in the usual turmoil. With cunning simplicity, in small groups around the hall, everybody chanted “Stop selling Hawks to Indonesia”. The chairman couldn’t make himself heard and had to wait for all to be removed, which took ages. One person was injured more than average for trying to take pictures. Outside there were die-ins, blood and symbolic hammerings of a paper mach_ Hawk. A deliberate effort was made to be as dignified as possible and not to get into mass fights with the security, this seemed to have an impact on many of the shareholders.

Having an action that involved everyone was effective and empowering; buy your shares now.

The meeting procedures were dubious again - a friendly company lawyer to say what we shouldn’t let them get away is needed, so if you are one, or know of one, contact the AU and we’ll pass the info on.