Poster

On 24 January 1986 Rupert Murdoch's News International group relocated from Bouverie Street to a new purpose-built complex at Wapping in East London. The new facilities used state-of-the-art computerised printing technology rather than the traditional 'hot metal' processes. Murdoch sacked 5,500 production and clerical staff triggering the most significant industrial dispute of the decade after the 1984-1985 Miners' Strike.

The two print trade unions, the National Graphical Association (NGA) and the Society of Graphical and Allied Trades (SOGAT) and their supporters picketed 'Fortress Wapping' for over a year. The pickets' main aim was to block the entry and exit of vehicles used by TNT, News International's distributor. The dispute became increasingly bitter as pickets clashed with the Metropolitan Police. The print unions were undermined by the Electrical Electronic and Plumbing Trade Union (EEPTU) which had signed a secret agreement with Rupert Murdoch for its members to work at Wapping in place of the sacked staff. On 5 February 1987 SOGAT's leadership withdrew from the dispute and the print unions were defeated.

This poster is advertising the 1986 London Mayday march organised by the South East Region of the Trade Union Congress and the Joint Mayday Committee. The route of the march went from Tower Hill to the News International plant at Wapping. The satirical cartoon depicts Rupert Murdoch hiding in a tree at 'Fort Wapping' surrounded by trade unionists.