Shipyard legend Jimmy Reid dies

Andrew Gibson • Published 11 Aug 2010 09:30 Comments 1 Comment

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JIMMY REID, the former Clyde shipyard union stalwart, has died at the age of 78.

Mr Reid came to prominence in 1971 when he led the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders work-in which successfully thwarted Prime Minister Edward Heath’s attempts to shut down five shipyards on the River Clyde.

The former Communist Party member, who went onto represent Faifley as a councillor, helped orchestrate the work-in, which aimed to complete the orders already in the book while demonstrating the long-term viability of the yards.

The campaign received world-wide support and in 1972 the government agreed to retain two yards - Yarrow and Fairfield.

In a famous speech to the shipyard workers during the work-in he said: “We are not going to strike.

“We are not even having a sit-in strike.

“Nobody and nothing will come in and nothing will go out without our permission.

“And there will be no hooliganism, there will be no vandalism, there will be no bevvying because the world is watching us.”

Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress’ (STUC) general secretary said: “As we approach the 40th anniversary of the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders work-in it is appropriate to reflect on the historic achievement of Jimmy Reid, the Stewards Committee and the shipyard workers who, with the support of the Scottish trade union movement mounted the campaign to prevent the loss of shipbuilding on the upper Clyde.

“Undoubtedly Jimmy was a source of inspiration to many in the trade union movement.

“His leadership in the dispute and ability to convince the workers that a sit in, rather than strike action and losing control of the yard, would secure shipbuilding on the upper Clyde which remains as a legacy to Jimmy and his colleagues.

“Throughout his life his never ending interest in campaigning for just causes stretched from the Scottish Pensioners Forum to fighting for the causes of the oppressed throughout the world.

“Jimmy’s life as a trade union and political activist, University Chancellor and latterly as a journalist and broadcaster revealed his many outstanding skills as a provocative, thoughtful and intelligent campaigner and commentator

“Our thoughts are with his wife Joan and his family at this sad time.”

Mr Reid later moderated his political position and joined the Labour Party and stood as a candidate in Dundee in 1979.

In 2005 he announced he had joined the SNP

If you would like to pay tribute to Jimmy or have any special anecdotes or stories, contact the Post on 0141 952 0565.

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James1
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Aug 11, 16:42
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Sad news. Jimmy was a unique man and his link to Clydebank will not be forgotten.

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