30 Aug 2010
Sir Alex Ferguson and Billy Connolly were amongst thousands of mourners who paid their respects and a fond farewell to Jimmy Reid, the trade unionist and journalist who famously organised the “work in” at Upper Clyde Shipbuilders in 1971 to prove their worth to the UK government, who sadly died on 10th August, aged 78.
Current employees of BAE Systems' thriving shipyard in Govan
also lined the streets to show their appreciation for his
legacy.
The Evening Times reported some of the tributes.
Comedian and former shipyard worker Billy Connolly, who backed the
work-in, said: "He was my hero from my time as a welder right
through. He had a wonderful attitude to the working man and was
never, ever patronising."
Govan born Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "It was
a shock to hear the sad news.
"Jimmy and I grew up together although he was a few years older
than me, he was a great Govan man.
"His whole structure of life was about helping others."
Source: Evening News Tributes to a working class hero