WAPPING – ‘THE WORKERS STORY’
At last the film is now available online and on DVD!
Chris Reeves of Platform Films has produced a marvellous film which has taken several years to complete as Chris is heavily engaged in making and producing films on many workers struggles – present and historic – but he has been at pains to ensure it is a reflection of the story of the bitter News International Dispute from the point of view of those involved and the unions.
‘Wapping – The Workers’ Story’ is a film about the momentous year-long industrial dispute which began in 1986 when Rupert Murdoch plotted to move production of his newspapers overnight from central London’s Fleet Street to a secretly equipped and heavily guarded printing plant at Wapping, a docklands district in East London.
5,500 union men and women lost their jobs and centuries of trade union and industrial tradition in one of London’s last manufacturing industries came to an end.
Military-style police tactics, the use of anti union laws which shackled the unions’ hard won freedoms and strike breaking organised by the then right wing electricians union led to a Murdoch victory.
The dispute had international ramifications for Murdoch’s expanding press and broadcasting empire in the United States and around the world. It enabled him to finance his expanding empire including satellite TV.
It took place as the UKs Thatcher government embraced monetarism – deregulating finance, privatising key industries and undermining local democracy.
The story is told by sacked print workers of the NGA, Sogat, AEEU and the ‘refusenik’ NUJ journalists who joined them.
The film was made with the News International Dispute Archive group whose publications, website and travelling exhibition have given a voice to the sacked workers and their families.
The film is 70 minutes long and the DVD has subtitles in: German, English, Spanish, French, Italian and Polish.
The details of how to view the film online and to purchase on-line and DVD copies are contained in the message below from producer Chris Reeves:
“A new documentary about the Wapping dispute by platform films in association with the News International Dispute Archive is now available.
A DVD version with extras is available from Platform Films, 37a Clerkenwell Green, London EC1R 0DU.
To purchase a copy or copies of the DVD please e-mail: platform.films@virgin.net with your details.
The DVD price is: £8.00 + £1.00 P&P and cheques should be made out to Platform Films.
Tony Burke (UNITE Assistant General Secretary)
“Unite are proud to be associated with this film to tell the real story of the workers’ struggle with Murdoch, the police, the Tory Government and the right wing media.”
Ken Loach (Film maker)
“We need to know the story of the print workers’ battle against Murdoch. We can understand our enemies and see our strengths. Chris Reeves is a fine film maker and a true friend of the workers movement.”
Ann Field (retired UNITE print sector national officer and a founder member of the News International Dispute Archive)
“From the 1980s conspiracy to get rid of an entire workforce of 5,500 workers to the notorious phone hacking and corruption scandals 30 years later – this film exposes the deep-seated and enduring immorality at the heart of the Murdoch-led News International empire.”
‘Wapping The Workers’ Story’ Winner – Best Director, Best Documentary, Hollywood Hills Film Awards, November 2020
As FoC ‘Stockport Six’ Messenger Newspaper Dispute I would find this film of real interest. Hope I’m able to get hold of a copy.