The blacklisting scandal was one of the most egregious actsof anti-unionism of the last 50 years. One of the founder members of the Blacklist Support Group is Dave Smithwho joins us in this episode. Dave shares his assessment of the campaign against union building in the construction industry: The motivation and organisation of anti-union employersand how union organisers had to work clandestinely to secure fair and timely payment of wages, safe working conditions, and recognition of legitimate concerns over terms and conditions – often without mentioning the word “union”at all! Unmissable!

As ever, our discussion is calm, measured and derived from acombined 80 years of union activism. Where we disagree, we do so amicably. But there’s no getting away from the importance or relevance of this debate.

We’re grateful to have the support of Thompsons, the leading trade union and social justice law firm, The GeneralFederation of Trade Unions - delivering trade union education,building solidarity and the home of StrikeMap, Pellacraft, award winning and trusted supplier of promotional goods, and Battersea and Wandsworth Trade Union Council. Thank you all.

Episode run time 38m14s. Organising For A Change ispresented by Martin Smith and Simon Sapper. Music is by Scott Holmes. It is a Makes-You-Think production. Contact the show at organising@makes-you-think.com. This episode was first published on 14 March 2025. Next episode drops 28 March.