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How the solidarity of Clydeside’s shipyard workers defeated the Tories
DAVIE COOPER, former deputy convener and later convener at Govan Yard, tells the story of how a crucial working-class victory was won
30,000 to 40,000 workers in Clydeside industry marched in what was claimed to be the biggest demonstration ever seen in Scotland in protest against the planned changes to the shipyard

THE shop stewards’ movement has always played a central role in asserting the authority of rank-and-file workers on Clydeside.  

It had gained renewed strength during the second world war with the formation of joint production committees. 

Equally in the 1960s the Fairfield Experiment and then the formation of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders by the Labour government reinforced their authority. 

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