Chris's War

S1 E4: Chris Corrigan (Geoff Morrell) is the Managing Director of Patrick Stevedores. He pits his will, strength and determination against the full resources of the labour movement, the media, the banks and, increasingly, the public, as Australian sentiment swings in behind the Union. The Federal Court brings down its finding in favour of the Union and Patrick Stevedores must reinstate its sacked workers as soon as possible. Corrigan finds himself cornered - his wife Valerie (Helen Thomson) and family are receiving obscene and threatening phone calls and he is forced to stay under constant security surveillance, and to travel only in the security of a laundry van. He appeals against the decision. The full bench of the Federal Court hears the appeal. For the first time in history, the decision of the Court is televised live around the country, as Justice Wilcox announces in favour of the Union. Corrigan appeals, this time to the highest court in the land. With everything hanging on this outcome, the High Court of Australia rules for the Union. Corrigan has no choice but to attempt to reach a negotiated settlement with the Union. The MUA workers return triumphantly to work. In the eyes of the public, the story is all over. But out of the media glare, Corrigan, Coombs, Combet and their teams fight to the death over the terms of the settlement. Life on the docks will be forever changed.