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Society, Politics & Law
‘Not our jobs to sell’: Scottish Women’s Factory Occupations, 1981-1982
Over a 13-month period, the three most militant actions taken in opposition to factory closure in Scotland were conducted by women workforces. Andy Clark tells us what happened in this article...
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Society, Politics & Law
The Lovable Bra Occupation, Cumbernauld, 1982
At the Lovable plant in Cumbernauld, a predominantly female workforce were also informed that the future of their factory was uncertain. Andy Clark looks at how they responded and the result of this...
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Society, Politics & Law
The Lee Jeans Occupation, Greenock, 1981
In 1981, mostly female workers seized control of the Lee Jeans factory management planned to close. Andy Clark tells us what happened and the result of the occupation.
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Society, Politics & Law
The Plessey Factory Occupation, Bathgate, 1982
How successful was the occupation of Plessey factory? Andy Clarke investigates in this article...
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Society, Politics & Law
The Women and Scottish Railway History Collection
Find out more about the Women and Scottish Railway History Collection, a partnership between The Open University in Scotland, The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers Scotland, and Scottish Union Learning.
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Society, Politics & Law
Women in the Railway in Scotland During both World Wars
How did the employment of women during the First World War affect the railway industry? How did the railways impact women's lives during both wars? This article explores...
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Society, Politics & Law
Living History: Life as a Railway Worker During the 2020–21 COVID-19 Global Pandemic
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect employees working on the railways? Mary Jane Herbison explains...
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Society, Politics & Law
Life as a Railway Worker: An Oral History Testimony by Nan Zaimaitas nee Lamont
Nan Zaimaitas started working on the railways in 1977. In this interview by Angela MacGregor, she speaks about her time as a union rep.
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Society, Politics & Law
Women and Workplace Struggles: Scotland 1900-2022
Find out more about an exciting new project which is concerned to uncover a largely hidden past: women’s involvement in workplace struggles across Scotland since the early 1900s.
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History & The Arts
The Life of Saint Andrew
This extract from Alban Butler's 18th Century work on the lives of the saints tells the story of Scotland's patron saint.
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Society, Politics & Law
Happy Saint Andrew's Day
As we celebrate St Andrew's Day, the patron saint of Scotland, explore our variety of resources on Scotland's culture, society and heritage.
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Education & Development
Good Mock COP, Bad Mock COP
The Open University held a Mock COP26 event, inspiring future climate leaders from across Scotland in the Highlands and Moray.