A strike by more than 100 workers brought Robertson’s ginger factory to a standstill in April 1977.
The dispute which lasted just over a week was over workers being of the opinion that one of their supervisor’s had been unfairly sacked. But following the strike, Robertson’s managers did a u -turn and reinstated the dismissed, popular supervisor.
On the picket line, one of the workers told reporters, “As far as the management is concerned, we’re all sacked. We had a short sit in last week, and were told by manager Mr McDonald that if we walked out, we would be sacked. So we all walked out anyway and not going back until the supervisor is reinstated.“
The entire workforce, apart from clerical and management were all entirely out on the picket line, as was very much the way to do things in the 70s. The Union came out in sympathy and held talks with the management which obviously ultimately had an impact.
However, a condition of the return to work and reinstatement of the manager was the alteration to various contracts for workers, to ensure they could not do this again. Still, for the people involved, this solidarity was a win for all workers and their colleague’s employment rights.
Striking workers are pictured. Blantyre folks. Recognises anybody?
On Social Media, the following comments were received on Facebook:
Sally Mckean I showed the photo to Helen Ferguson’s daughter Sadie today. She was so pleased to see her mum in it x
Catherine Whitefield Bridie Murray my aunt
Carol King women! And robertsons? A rite of passage by young lads to get some juice!
Margaret Taggart Flora Paterson
Liz Boxall My dad George Tennant was a driver at time I think .. power to the people
John Corny Cornfield The beautiful Bridie Murray! I believe the lady was shop steward
John Corny Cornfield I think that’s our neighbor in Camelon Crescent along with Bridie beautiful Mary Brownlee
Helen Dunk My Auntie Bridie Murray. What a woman she was.
Helen Docherty Reid Lovely to see this. Bridie or Mary never changed over the years. Both lovely women
Margaret Brown Burns And never to be forgotten Bridie Murray always ready with a smile
Liz Allan Ian McGowan I think thats your mum 2nd from left?
Ian McGowan Liz Allan yes it is the wee rebel!
Wullie Clarkin On far left I think it’s dot McGhee
Stevie Mclean Paul Murray wee bridie?
Anthony Smith Unionism at it’s peak
Ann Ford My mum Mary McGuigan worked there with these ladies Flora Patterson Magaret McGowan May Boyle Helen Ferguson.
Tom McGuigan Ann Ford Hi Ann worked there with your mum. My mum worked there and she was Mary McGuigan too. We lived over the back from you in Burnside.
Ann Ford Tom McGuigan I rember your family I speak to your Mary on here
Tom McGuigan Ann Ford I remember your family well, I was your paperboy. Your dad was often at the Blantyre Celtic matches. Your Jim was a gentleman
Jean MacKie Your mum and Betty brilliant Elen
Caroline McDougall Marion Boyle Barnes Your wee mammy
Marion Boyle Barnes Caroline McDougall aww thanks Caroline . I love it
James Stirling Cathy Casey from Burnbank
Anne Ward Marie McVey Crossar our Brian’s just sent me it Marie oor wee auntg Cathy a gem .
Ellen Tomlinson Jean MacKie recognise anyone?
Robert Holmes The lady with scarf round her neck was called Flora she lived in Parkville Drive next to my grandma Muldoon was their name not sure of the ladies surname.
Tom McGuigan Far left is May Boyle. Woman with the glasses was called Ferguson, her son worked there too. I worked in Robertsons at this time too.
Sharon Miller Tom McGuigan my gran Helen Ferguson and your correct my uncle John and my mum also still short spells in the factory
Tom McGuigan Sharon Miller I remember your gran, she was a great character.
Carol McLachlan My mum bridie Murray
Tricia Allan-Martin Paul Murray, is that your mum in this photo? Looking very glamorous as usual, even when on a strike! I think Helen Ferguson is on the left.
Sharon Miller Tricia Allan-Martin yes definitely my gran Helen ferguson
Mick Watson My mother worked there 73 – 74
Janey Murray Mary Daley behind lady on the right my mums auntie
Liz Jack A few well known faces in this picture