Catalogue Number
NMLH.1992.671
Object Name
Poster
Title
U.C.S. OUR FIGHT IS YOUR FIGHT!
Place
Glasgow & Scotland
People
Reid,J; R. McKenzie
Events
U.C.S. campaign
Description
Upper Clyde Shipbuilders fundraising poster, 1971
White poster, mounted on board, with a purple figure of a U.C.S. worker in a hard hat. On the breast of his jacket reads 'Unity'.
The Upper Clyde Shipbuilders was a shipbuilding company formed by the amalgamation of five Upper Clyde Shipbuilding firms. It was formed in 1968, but went into receivership in 1971 and entered liquidatoin in 1972, following a refusal from the government to intervene as a lender of last resort.
Following the liquidation, unions representing the shipyard's workers conducted a 'work-in' to complete orders that had alreadt been placed. This was to dispel the view that the workers were 'work-shy', to push for their right to work, and to show the long-term potential of the yards. The leaders, a group of shop stewards, made sure the workers projected the best possible image that they could, and so insisted on strong discipline for the work-in.
The shipbuilders' were able to gain strong public support in Glasgow and beyond. There were solidarity marches in Glasgow, with one demonstration being addressed by Tony Benn and entertained by Billy Connolly. The campaign also found strong financial support, reportedly including a £5000 donation from John Lennon.
This poster was produced as part of the campaign for financial support of the work-in, with an address for monetary donations to be sent.
**ON DISPLAY**
