Nae Pasaran: Scotland's Moral Courage

Recently, I watched the award-winning documentary, Nae Pasaran, that tells the story of Scotland’s working class and its solidarity with the world. For me, this inspiring and moving story reminded me of my own experience at Rolls-Royce and also how a small nation can make such an outsized impact on others.

On 11 September 1973, General Augusto Pinochet led a violent coup d’état in Chile, toppling the democratically elected government of President Salvador Allende. The Chilean Air Force bombed the presidential palace in Santiago using British-made Hawker Hunter jets, causing a global uproar.

Thousands of miles away at the Rolls-Royce factory in East Kilbride, Scotland, a group of workers made a symbolic stand for democracy by refusing to service a group of Rolls-Royce Avon engines that were used by these Chilean Air Force jets.

With support from the East Kilbride Trade Unionists and the Scottish Area Shop Stewards, the engines were held in limbo outdoors for four years - and were also subject to full experience of Scotland’s daily four seasons (!) - which ultimately rendered them unusable.

In the movie, the director Felipe Bustos Sierra explores the terrible events in Chile, the experience of those affected, the story of the Rolls-Royce workers stance of solidarity, and then how those same people in Chile and Scotland today learned about each others experience, support and deep appreciation for one another. It was moving, and inspiring.

What is even more incredible is that Felipe discovers old engines lying to waste in Chile, and finds engine 15607 - one of the four engines held captive in Scotland - and has it shipped back to Scotland, where it now sits at South Lanarkshire College in East Kilbride.

This engine flies no more. But it is a symbol of peace, democracy and Scottish solidarity.

I went to see it for myself yesterday and at the site, there is a lovely wee poem, written by Stuart Barrie, one of the workers featured in the documentary:

Four years this engine was the guest

Of Rolls Royce workers at their best

Knowing their Chilean brothers were dying

Trade unions stopped this engine flying

As I watched this movie, it reminded me of my experience as a young lad working on the shop floor of Rolls-Royce East Kilbride, working with a large group of ordinary workers from all backgrounds and with much more experience than I.

For them, who was this young guy who had been asked to manage them on one particular project (stripping down and rebuilding a development engine to create more sustainable fuel system)?

For me, learning to work with and manage those dedicated men taught me how to talk and work with others and to build trust and mutual respect. It was also my first experience of real ethical work practices at play in a work environment that demanded expertise and world-class quality.

Historically, Scotland has been a global voice for good. In the 18th century during the Scottish Enlightenment, Scottish philosophers like Adam Smith were outspoken against slavery. During apartheid, Glasgow renamed a street and place after Nelson Mandela while he was still imprisoned. And during World War II, the Clyde Workers’ Committee resisted wartime exploitation around working conditions, pay, etc while dealing with underskilled labor. All of these represented a stance for rights and dignity.

In today’s world of complex challenges, Scotland reminds us that ethical leadership and fortitude doesn’t always come from the top. Sometimes it comes from factor floors, community halls, and everyday conversations. We have to be able to say, “This is not right. We will not be part of it.”

Beyond, whisky, golf, or tartan, perhaps one of Scotland’s great exports is moral principles that transcend borders, profits, and convenience.

What examples of moral courage have you seen in your daily lives or in the workplace?

NOTE: Nae Pasaran is available to watch online via Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/npglasgow