Porto Marghera – the last firebrands
Screening and presentation/discussion
Friday, 9th of November, 7.30pm, Pullens Estate community centre [see end of page for details]

A film about petrochemical workers who took matters into their own hands in the giant industrial zone engulfing Venice.  The mass refusal of literally toxic work forced hours on the job down at the same time as driving wages up.  The labour hierarchy that sets white collar against blue, permanent against casual, was attacked by workers insisting on the maximum for everyone.  The battle in the factory was linked to working-class life outside through direct appropriation of basic social needs (electricity, housing, food).  
    More clearly than any before them, the Porto Marghera workers identified the factory as the trigger of fatal diseases and destroyer of life.  They remained on the offensive against the concerted hostility of unions, multinational employers and state from the late 1960s until well into the '70s.  As part of an international wave of struggle, their actions contributed to a global accumulation crisis, provoking the capitalist counter-attack which has never ceased since then.

A trenchant letter from Clays Lane Travelers who are currently awaiting eviction from their homes in the future Olympic zone. Republished From The Guardian ‘Saturday Reply’, Sep 29th 07