AMEC Office Occupied In Airport Action

On the 18th January, over 60 people gathered together for the 2nd of the 'Doin' It In The North' actions, this time to remind those responsible for Manchester Airport that it hasn't been forgotten or forgiven.

A decision was made not to bother wasting time engaging with the media.

The regional headquarters of AMEC (major contractors for Manchester Airport and many other dubious schemes) were invaded by swarms of activists who interrupted a meeting and a buffet lunch. Following on from this, people divided off into a number of offices to re-file and shuffle paperwork, filofaxes etc. Police arrived an hour later and attempted to detain the hordes, who opted instead for exiting by a ground floor window despite attempts to physically stop them by police. Some police who were keen to use CS gas were stopped from doing so by group effort, and the activists left, first linking arms to make certain nobody could be snatched, and headed for the vans. The vans were unable to get away due to stingers on the road (spikes that pierce tyres) or by being hemmed in by police vehicles, and three individuals were arrested for theft of alcohol. However, the executive asked to identify specific individuals could not do so as "they are all wearing dark clothes and hoods".

Meanwhile, Callum Thomas, the Professor of sustainable aviation (oxymoron!) at Manchester Metropolitan Uni was paid a visit. His course is funded by Manchester Airport and his post invented just for him. Ten activists occupied his offices, and leafleted students, whilst two others climbed a lamppost outside to hang a banner.

Information on the third 'Doin' It in the North' action will be out soon.