Catalogue Number
NMLH.1992.1158
Object Name
Badge
Title
Express Support for News International Dispute - SOGAT NGA AEU NUJ
Place
Wapping, London
People
Society of Graphical and Allied Trades (SOGAT); National Graphical Association (NGA); Amalgamated Engineering Union (AEU); National Union of Journalists (NUJ); Rupert Murdoch
Events
Wapping dispute
Description
Round white badge, "Express Support for News International Dispute" in black around the edge. In the centre is a stylised drawing of a knight in armour with a shield and sword, besides "SOGAT NGA AEU NUJ" in red. These refer to the Society of Graphical and Allied Trades (SOGAT); National Graphical Association (NGA); Amalgamated Engineering Union (AEU); and National Union of Journalists (NUJ) trade unions.
The badge was produced in support of printworkers, who had gone on strike in response to the management of Rupert Murdoch's News International refusing to negotiate terms for the movement of the printworks of the newspapers to a new factory in Wapping with worse terms of employment, in 1986. Following the declaration of the strike, known as the Wapping dispute, striking members of staff were fired. Mass pickets and a boycott movement soon followed, but the 54-week strike was ultimately unsuccessful.
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