August 12, 2010
The Scottish trade unionist Jimmy Reid, who has died at the age of 78, will for ever be associated in labour history with the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders (UCS) occupation and work-in of 1971-72. It was an event that galvanised working-class consciousness, challenged political moralities and haunted the premiership of Edward Heath. “…The idea of a work-in was very different from the traditional response of strikes or occupations. It was based on the brilliant concept of the right to work, rather than simply the right not to be made redundant….”
The Scottish trade unionist Jimmy Reid, who has died at the age of 78, will for ever be associated in labour history with the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders (UCS) occupation and work-in of 1971-72. It was an event that galvanised working-class consciousness, challenged political moralities and haunted the premiership of Edward Heath.
“…The idea of a work-in was very different from the traditional response of strikes or occupations. It was based on the brilliant concept of the right to work, rather than simply the right not to be made redundant….”