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UCS I (1971)
 

Synopsis

Warning: screenonline full synopses contain 'spoilers' which give away key plot points. Don't read on if you don't want to know the ending!

A march in support of the Upper Clyde shipyards. Marchers sing, chant and, in one case, are led by a piper. Shop Steward Jimmy Reid addresses a mass open-air meeting. Seagulls wheel over desolate factories.

A worker describes the feeling for the yards and ships, which is installed in people as they grow up in the area. Views of men working in a ship's hull. He calls shipbuilding a terrible job in some respects, but believes that it is not alienating because workers can take collective pride in a ship's launch.

A young apprentice tells his story of being misled by the company into believing there would be a permanent job for him. Other apprentice boys playing football. Ministers leaving Downing Street. A worker strongly criticises the Conservative government's policies.

A demonstration in front of Parliament. Several shop stewards give their views on the struggle. They confirm that occupying the yards will be a tactic of the workers. A Clydeside shop owner says that without the yards many local businesses would collapse. Signs in shop windows supporting the shipyard workers.

The march to Glasgow Green, protesters on the underground. A union meeting, attended by Shop Steward Jimmy Airlie. Jimmy Reid tells a mass meeting in a yard that they are in control and that nothing will leave or enter the yard without their permission. Airlie makes an appeal for support for the shipyards. A blackboard with the address for donations to the campaign appeal.