Pete Firmin reviews Port In a Storm (Video News) 'Port in a Storm' is a new video about the Merseyside Docks strike released by Video News. Produced as four separate programmes on one tape, it is designed to be used either as a whole or in parts to help raise support for the dockers.
The film is in parts moving and inspiring, portraying the fighting spirit of the dockers and their supporters. The Importance given to Women on the Waterfront is particularly striking. both in the first section, which is specifically about them, but more generally in portraying womens contribuwon to tne struggle.
We are given a vivid picture of the International support the dockers are recelving, showing International delegates speaking at a rally at the dock gates and at a social in the dockers' club. The effect of this on the dockers and their familles is almost tangible as they realise dockworkers throughout the world are prepared to take action in support of them.
The final programme shows footage of the support given by the Recalm the Streets' activ. Ists to the dockers on the first anmiversary demonstration, to harassment they received at the hands of the police, and their occupation of MDHC headquarters.
This is a useful video to show to trade union and other meetIngs. Its main weakness is that it does not explain how the dispute came about. It seems to assume that the audience will be aware of the facts. Despite the length of the deckers strug. gle, this will not always be true. A restatement would do no harm anyway.
Those using it for meetings wiere wore nas not boon previous discussion would need to supplement it, best of all by a speaker from the dockers or Women on the Waterfront. Copies of 'Port in a Storm' cost E10, E20 for organisations, and can be obtained from Video News, PO Box 10395, London H7 9DN, or phone 0171 700 7660.
Socialist Ourlook Send us your letters on any topic, to PO Box 1109,London N4 2UU. Letters over 400 words may have to be edited for length. Salidarity is buiding between European workers in struggle against Maastricht austerity: but how solid is the i agreement between Europe's ruing CHASES LETTERS I9