“Rank and file organising” film

Inspired by the brilliant struggle of the rank and file sparks, and disgusted by the sellout of the pensions dispute by the UNISON leadership, Reel News are planning a film on rank and file organising.

It feels like a good time to look at great examples of rank and file organising from the past, especially where ordinary workers have had the confidence to go against their own leadership to win significant victories, and how those lessons might be applied to the task of building a rank and file movement now.

So we want to have a look at examples right up to the present day, but obviously the early 70s is a key period to consider…Pentonville dockers, Saltley, the building workers strike to name but a few key events.

Do you have any suggestions for people you think we should be interviewing, areas we should be looking at or disputes we should be looking into?

Let us know what you think – any ideas gratefully received. Either leave a comment below or email us at info@reelnews.co.uk.