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The lessons of the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders work-in
Half a century ago, 8,000 workers took over four shipyards in Scotland and instead of striking, kept working. JOHN FOSTER previews an event to mark this brave action, which not only saved every job, it turned a period of retreat into a working-class offensive
MASS TURNOUT: 40,000 workers march in Glasgow, August 1971
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THIS year marks the 50th anniversary of the work-in at Upper Clyde Shipbuilders (UCS) and the Scottish Labour History Society has organised the first event to commemorate it, taking place in Glasgow on Thursday.
Why is it still important to remember this event 50 years on? Principally because the trade union and labour movement can still draw strength and encouragement from its example.
On July 31 1971, 8,000 shipyard workers took possession of the four giant shipyards on the Upper Clyde. For the following 15 months they staged a “work-in.”
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