Skip to main content
Shipbuilding union heroes endorse Scottish independence

A NUMBER of heroes from the 1971 Upper Clyde Shipbuilders’ work-in have endorsed the “Yes” vote despite fears that independence would doom Scotland’s shipyards.

The seven surviving trade unionists pinned their colours to the mast yesterday in an open letter to the Daily Record, saying the “much reduced” prospect of warship contracts was an opportunity to produce cargo carriers and ocean liners instead.

The Unite union which represents shipbuilders has been a vocal critic of the independence campaign, with BAE Systems Scotstoun convenor Duncan Mcphee suggesting they would “lose their only customer” — the Ministry of Defence.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Protesters form a blockade outside weapons manufacturer BAE Systems in Govan, Glasgow, in protest over the Israel-Gaza conflict and calling for an immediate ceasefire to halt the killing of civilians in Palestine. Picture date: Wednesday May 1, 2024
Workers' Rights / 18 October 2025
18 October 2025

Witnessing a war of words at a meeting on tackling militarism at The World Transformed, BEN COWLES spoke to a union rep who is organising against war from inside the arms industry itself, to hear about worker-led solutions to ending weapons production

 Coins and Scottish bank notes
Scotland / 8 October 2025
8 October 2025
General view of the Cammell Laird ship yard on the River Mersey in Liverpool
Workers' Rights / 30 September 2025
30 September 2025

KIM JOHNSON MP places the campaign in the context of the history of the working-class battles of the 1980s, and explains why, just like Orgreave and the Shrewsbury Pickets before it, justice today is so important for the struggles of tomorrow

General view of the Alexander Dennis site at Camelon, near Falkirk
Scotland / 10 July 2025
10 July 2025