This is the launch press release, sent out at the beginning of August. Since this was issued the line-up for the concert has changed slightly. Gary Lewis is mortified that he cannot now attend, but Elaine C Smith and Dick Gaughan have added their names to the list. Public tickets sold out for the concert at the beginning of September, but a waiting list has been established to redistribute any returns. If you want to join that list please email swright@fairpley.com .
Other events organised have been, a debate in the Scottish Parliament, on a motion submitted by Hugh Henry MSP and debated on the 15 September. This was followed by a reception in the Parliament.
An exhibition has also been curated, and will be opened by prominent Scottish entertainer, Jimmie Macgregor on Thursday 22 September.
Another development is the organising of major 'People First' demonstration by the STUC on the morning of October 1. The link between the struggle of the Clydeside shipbuilders to save their industry and community, and the struggle to save public services by trade unions and community groups today is thus neatly juxtaposed on October 1!
29 July 2011 Not For Release before Mon 1 August
Shop Stewards who were part of the UCS Work-In in the shipyards of Glasgow and Clydebank today announced a series of events organised to mark the 40th anniversary of the famous industrial dispute.
The main event planned is a Gala Concert on Sat 1 October in the Mitchell Theatre where Tony Benn will be the Guest of Honour. He was the Labour Minister who created the UCS consortium in 1968 and a prominent supporter of the Work-In when in opposition. He will be backed by a line up of Scottish talent, some of whom played in fund raising concerts at the time. A specially commissioned suite ‘Work-in at UCS’ composed by Eddie McGuire, the prominent Scottish composer will also feature.
Jimmy Cloughley, a member of the UCS Co-ordinating Committee said
“The stewards who took part in the work-in felt that, following the deaths of two of the main leaders, Jimmy Airlie and Jimmy Reid, it was important to mark the 40 Anniversary positively. It is important when working people face increasing attacks on their jobs and conditions, to remember a successful struggle against a Tory Government bent on on butchering them. The community and country supported us. We righted a wrong,and it must never be forgotten. Unity of purpose, honesty, information leadership and democracy are the lessons of UCS.”
The list of artistes includes Pat Kane; Jimmie McGregor; Dave Anderson; Arthur Johnstone; Rab Noakes; Gary Lewis; Fraser Speirs; Kevin McDermott; Simone Welsh; The Whistlebinkies; Alba Brass and Sax Ecosse. There will also be a number of yet-to-be-announced special guests.
In addition to the concert, an exhibition about the Work-In will open in the Mitchell Library on 24 September, and showings of contemporary films shot in the yard during the Work-In are planned. The events will be mostly funded by a grant from Unite the union
The Work-In took place in 1971 when the then Tory government removed funding from the UCS yards and planned to close and sell them off. This provoked the Stewards Co-ordinating Committee to declare a ‘work-in’ which attracted huge support from Scotland, the rest of the UK, and around the world.
ENDS
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