Frances Poet’s music-infused drama powerfully recreates the Greenock dispute where 240 workers courageously confronted their employers. Set against the backdrop of early Thatcherite policies in 1981, a period marked by the closure of the Linwood car plant, Bobby Sands’ hunger strike, and the weakening of unions by the 1980 Employment Act, this was a time of significant economic hardship, exemplified by The Specials’ hit song “Ghost Town.”
Despite the grim atmosphere, an extraordinary event unfolded at a garment factory in Greenock. Angered by their American proprietors’ intention to relocate production to Northern Ireland to capitalize on generous subsidies, 240 workers initiated an occupation of the Lee Jeans plant. This predominantly female workforce, determined not to yield, garnered support from various sectors, including miners, dockers, and prominent figures like Jimmy Reid and Michael Foot.
After seven months of occupation, the 140 workers who remained successfully regained their employment.
The production was staged at the Tron Theatre in Glasgow until May 9th and subsequently embarked on a tour that concluded on June 10th.