Wapping Post

On 24 January 1986 Rupert Murdoch's News International group relocated from Bouverie Street to Wapping in East London. The new facilities used state-of-the-art computerised printing technology rather than the traditional 'hot metal' processes of Fleet Street. 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.

The Wapping Post newspaper was produced by print trade union activists during the dispute. It was printed using the presses of the socialist Morning Star newspaper at Farringdon. The front page of the one year anniversary edition features a message from SOGAT official Mike Hicks who was jailed for 12 months allegedly assaulting a police officer.