Blacklisted: The Secret War between Big Business and Union Activists by Dave Smith and Phil Chamberlain

Blacklisted tells the controversial story of the illegal strategies that transnational construction companies resorted to in their attempt to deny union activists work. This is the story of a bitter struggle, in which collusion with the police and security services resulted in victimization, violence and unemployment, with terrible effects on families and communities.


'This remarkable, well-researched and must-read book clearly shows how police spying on political activists has destroyed lives and that I, most unfortunately and regrettably, played a part in this' Peter Francis Undercover police officer turned whistleblower

'A searing account and an absorbing read. Smith and Chamberlain describe the pain inflicted on the blacklisted workers, highlighting why it is important to get to the truth about the allegations of state collusion.' Rob Evans, Guardian journalist & author of Undercover

'This book will be a wake up call to all who think we live in a democracy where all are equal before the law. These are big questions for the employers and the police, as well as Labour politicians and union leaders'. (For 2015 'Blacklisted' edition) Ken Loach, film director

'Blacklisting destroyed the lives of many workers and their families over the years. It took courage and determination to stand up to it and expose its operation. This book makes a significant contribution to telling the truth of the blacklist.' (For 2015 'Blacklisted' edition)  John McDonnell, MP.

In the fully updated second edition Phil Chamberlain and Dave Smith have added new material and research including the latest shocking revelations and photographs. They also detail the historic High Court victory and the Pitchford public inquiry into undercover policing.

About the Authors

Dave Smith is a blacklisted union activist from the construction industry, and an award-winning campaigner on human rights, health and safety, anti-fascism and employment rights issues. He currently works as a trade union education tutor.

Phil Chamberlain is an experienced investigative journalist who has written for the Guardian, Observer and the Independent amongst others. He is also a senior lecturer in journalism at the University of the West of England, Bristol.
2nd Edition (published September 2016)

2nd Edition (published September 2016)
ISBN: 978-1-78026-341-0
Format: Paperback
Dimensions: 21.6cm x 13.8cm
Page extent: 400

1st Edition (published March 2015)
ISBN: 978-1-78026-257-4
Format: Paperback
Dimensions: 21.6 cm x 13.8cm
Page extent: 320