The Wapping Dispute (1986-1987)
Note
The Wapping Dispute was one of the longest and violent industrial actions in British history.
Owned by Rupert Murdoch, News International published several major British newspapers including the Sun, News of the World, the Times and Sunday Times.
In response to plans to move New International’s editorial and printing operations from Fleet Street to a new location in Wapping, East London, on 24 January 1986 nearly 6,000 newspaper workers went on strike. Murdoch instantly fired thousands who had taken part in the action, and used members of the electricians union (EETPU) to run the printers at the new Wapping plant.
Coming shortly after the failure of the Miner’s Strike, and in the context of efforts of the Conservative Thatcher government to reduce the power of the unions, Wapping attracted regular mass demonstrations of up to 5,000. The strong police presence was accused of being overly aggressive with strikers. On 15 February 1986 police began to use riot shields and mounted police to break up the crowd.
After a year, with the unions facing bankruptcy, the strike ended. The dispute had seen a total 1,262 arrests, and 410 police injuries. The failure of the Wapping Dispute is credited with breaking the power the print unions once had over the newspaper industry.
Owned by Rupert Murdoch, News International published several major British newspapers including the Sun, News of the World, the Times and Sunday Times.
In response to plans to move New International’s editorial and printing operations from Fleet Street to a new location in Wapping, East London, on 24 January 1986 nearly 6,000 newspaper workers went on strike. Murdoch instantly fired thousands who had taken part in the action, and used members of the electricians union (EETPU) to run the printers at the new Wapping plant.
Coming shortly after the failure of the Miner’s Strike, and in the context of efforts of the Conservative Thatcher government to reduce the power of the unions, Wapping attracted regular mass demonstrations of up to 5,000. The strong police presence was accused of being overly aggressive with strikers. On 15 February 1986 police began to use riot shields and mounted police to break up the crowd.
After a year, with the unions facing bankruptcy, the strike ended. The dispute had seen a total 1,262 arrests, and 410 police injuries. The failure of the Wapping Dispute is credited with breaking the power the print unions once had over the newspaper industry.