Upper Clyde Shipbuilders 50th anniversary

In June 1971 the privately owned shipyards of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders went into receivership.

But instead of accepting redundancy the large workforce occupied the affected sites and began a “Work In” over 200,000 workers stopped work in Scotland and over 80.000 went on the Demo in Glasgow, solidarity.

The STUC called a special conference on 16th of August 1971 and a resolution was carried to organise a one-day stoppage in support of the UCS across the whole of Scotland.

The struggle was supported throughout the UK workers everywhere were inspired by the sense of Unity.

This epic struggle was commemorated with a significant event in Glasgow 2021 to mark the 50Th Anniversary. Also produced was a badge in recognition.

The UCS “Work In” lasted over 6 months and in February 1972 the Government was forced to step in to the tune of £35 Million and commit to supporting a number of companies providing shipbuilding on the Clyde.