QE2 - Round the clock construction or daylight only?

[Bob C.]

I've been looking at many construction photos and some video of QE2; some are taken during the day and some at night.  There is always lots of activity during the daytime but I don't see many (or any) folks working at night.

Anyone have any info for John Brown work hours for Job 736, both on the ways and in the fitting out basin?

[Lynda Bradford]

I was born and brought up in Clydebank and I can remember that the workforce in both John Brown's and Singers worked overtime to supplement their wages.  This overtime usually consisted of working longer hours on one or two days per week and sometimes at the week-end.  I am not sure if they would have worked on the ships in the winter months as I do not think that the lighting would have been good enough.  I have sent an email to my brother who worked in John Brown's in the 1960's to ask if he remembers what overtime or shifts were worked. 

[Lynda Bradford]

Bob, I contacted my brother regarding the work pattern when building the QE2 and he had responded as follows:

Two nights overtime ( Tuesday and Thursday) and a Sunday tended to be the norm when work was plentiful and I think that shift work was necessary when ships were nearing completion, this could have been day- night or a three shift pattern, but I have no direct experience of the shifts. Maintenance trades also worked Saturday mornings to enable them to carry out repairs etc on plant equipment.
 

[Bob C.]

Outstanding Lynda, thanks.  Looks like there was very little 24/7 work compared to today's stanards.

[Rob Lightbody]

Outstanding Lynda, thanks.  Looks like there was very little 24/7 work compared to today's stanards.

Yes, great work.  It was a far more labour-intensive process and in Clydebank they were often battling the cold & rain.  I'm not sure they'd have coped with overnight work, outside, in often far below freezing conditions.

[Bob C.]

How much of a voice did labor unions have in the setting working hours or were they set my the shipyard execs?