WORKING CONDITIONS (11 CLIPS)

Conditions in the Yards Bob Brand talks about working conditions in the shipyard as a crane driver. Although the work was hard, he remembers it being a good job being your own boss.

Life in the Yards in the 1950s Bob Timney started work in 1956 as an apprentice. He talks about his typical day, the shifts, and the harsh working conditions, and recalls watching the welders with sparks burning their smocks.

A Woman's Work… Clara Olsen talks about working in a wartime bomb factory before training as a plumber's labourer in the shipyards. She describes the many different ships that she worked on, the rough working conditions and the poor pay.

Working Conditions John Hardy describes how he got started in shipbuilding and talks about his first job as an office boy in the shipyard. He also talks about the many different shipbuilding jobs from riveters and office workers.

Work, Sweat and Pay - Conditions in 1948 John Hardy describes conditions at sea in the late 1940s when he was a merchant seaman. John recalls the sweat and toil on board ship as well as the low pay, a paltry 21/- a week in 1948.

Working Conditions in Today's Yards Mel Davis describes how the modern shipyard is a much safer place to work with safety glasses, hard hats and better conditions. He compares the modern yard with the traditional Tyneside shipyard, and charts the great advances in technology.

Good Comrades, Poor Working Conditions Michael Newton remembers the "good crack" and camaraderie in the shipyards. He also describes the dangers in the yard and the lack of insurance in the early days.

Typical Life of a Shipyard Worker Muriel Gray describes how her father worked in the yards and explains how working conditions were difficult. She remembers how her father had a serious accident in a major explosion, and how he received no compensation.

Hard and Dangerous Times Ted Davey remembers the difficult and dirty working conditions and the hard, frustrating nature of the work. He recounts the story of a serious engineering accident when a man died as a result of his injuries.

Clothing Ted Davey remembers how shipyard workers used to dress for work. There was little protection from the weather or treacherous working conditions, and as a result many men later suffered from arthritis and other health problems.

Unhealthy Work Ted Davey talks about the noise and dangerous working conditions in the yards. He also remembers what happened when the men went off on sick leave.