Clydebank’s MSP has paid tribute to a man known as a ‘key player’ in a 1970s ‘work-in’ on the Clydeside shipyards, following his sad passing.
Marie McNair described Robert (Bob) Dickie as a “kind and generous man” and someone who was always looking out for the working class.
Bob passed away in October having been a former chairperson of Clydebank Asbestos Group (CAG) as well as an influential trade unionist throughout his life – playing a big part in the now famous 1971 Upper Clyde Shipbuilders ‘work-in’.
While working at John Brown’s Shipyard, he helped lead workers to take over the yards, forcing a massive U-turn from Ted Heath’s Conservative Government and saving shipbuilding on the Clyde at the time.
13,000 Clydebank shipyard workers occupied their threatened yards for over six months and continued to turn out ships during this ‘work-in’, despite the bosses’ attempts to close the last four of the five yards in the area.
Ms Marie said: “I was extremely sad to hear of Bob’s passing, and my thoughts continue to be with his family, friends and everyone in the Clydebank Asbestos Group, who knew him so well.
“I have known Bob for a long time, and his passion and dedication to secure truth and justice for asbestos victims - my constituents - was unlimited.
“Bob was a kind and generous man - someone who believed in looking out for our working class.
“When I heard the news of his passing, I said that his achievements would be “imperishable”. I know those helped by him over many years will agree.
“He will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on through the work of the Group.”
Bob joined CAG – a volunteer organisation set up to help provide support, advice and information for victims of asbestos and their families – in 2001 and not long after became Chairperson.
He was influential in leading major campaigns in the fight to achieve truth and justice for those who had been exposed to asbestos in the workplace.
Bob was widely respected by those at CAG and the local community of Clydebank, and was a much-loved husband, father, and grandfather.
Ms McNair has submitted a motion in Parliament in tribute to Bob and his achievements.
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