McLibel: two worlds collide RT: 57.30 mins Click here to watch this program in streaming video - 28 k modems Click here for 56 k modems

McLibel: two worlds collide

Producer / Director: Franny Armstrong
for OOPS (One Off Productions)

working TV McLibel Special, RT: 57:30,
first broadcast March 24 1999



The Big Mac took on small fry when McDonald's Restaurants corporation sued two underemployed British activists for libel in 1990.

	Dave Morris and Helen Steel, the British activists who dared criticize McDonald's Restaurants corporation.
The "Golden Arches" logo of the McDonald's corporation which research shows is now more recognizable than the Christian cross.

McDonalds employs more than a million workers, 2/3 of whom are under 21.
	The trial judge found that McDonalds was anti-union, paid low wages, didn't guarantee breaks, sometimes had employees work unlawful hours and that the work was hard and hectic.
Chicken factory: the trial judged ruled McDonald's was "culpably responsible for cruel practices in the rearing and slaughter of some of the animals which are used to produce their food".
	The judge found McDonald's guilty of exploiting children by using them as "more susceptible targets of advertising".

In 1997, after the longest trial in British legal history, the judge's verdict exonerated the activists on several charges, but found them guilty of others. They are now appealing that judgement.

The court where Dave and Helen defended themselves without legal representation against the McDonald's multinational corporation.
	Dave and Helen leaflet again after the trial.

Dave and Helen are arguing for a mistrial because they had to represent themselves in court for three years against a large group of highly-paid McDonald's legal staff. They refuse to pay the small fine the judge imposed. McDonald's is not pursuing it.

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working TV "McLibel" Special,RT: 57:30
first broadcast March 24 1999 @ 9pm
simulcast across B.C.

 

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