File 7 - Interview with Daniel Houston

1 digital audio file (duration 41 minutes 46 seconds), 1 transcript

Transcript of Daniel Houston, a shipbuilding worker from Govan, in conversation with Rory Stride in 2016. Houston was an apprentice for Govan Shipbuilders from 1975 and worked in various shipyards in Govan throughout his career.

[00:00:01] Introductions
[00:00:10] Talks about childhood, education, early career and working-class community
[00:03:16] Talks about joining Govan Shipbuilders as an apprentice in 1975
[00:05:40] Talks about Govan in the 1970s and gang culture
[00:06:49] Talks about tasks involved with job, working hours, overtime and pay
[00:08:57] Talks about staff camaraderie and friendships
[00:10:48] Talks about working conditions
[00:13:15] Talks about health and safety, workplace injuries, staff medical care
[00:16:59] Talks about traits of masculinity and attitudes towards masculinity in Govan’s shipyards
[00:17:39] Talks about job security, redundancy and impact on workers
[00:19:16] Talks about changes at shipyards over time, health and safety and personal protection
[00:21:31] Discussion about trade unions, GMB union, impact on workers, strike action from 1977 and union meetings
[00:27:29] Discussion about local politics, Labour and Communism
[00:29:19] Talks about staff friendships and social activities
[00:31:54] Talks about jobs for women in Govan
[00:33:19] Talks about wages and items bought with wages
[00:35:56] Discussion about the closure of shipbuilding in Govan and the impact on the area
[00:37:04] Describes Govan in 2016 and the difference from the 1970s
[00:38:04] Talks about job security, redundancy and impact on workers
[00:40:30] Summarises experiences of working in the shipbuilding industry
[00:41:45] Interview concludes

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Copyright: Scottish Oral History Centre, University of Strathclyde

• English