This resulted in him being dismissed from many sites as he would regularly clash with senior management when he was requested to act on behalf of fellow employees who had legitimate gripes.
[2] As a union leader, Gilmore was known for his skill in public speaking, good humour, and straight-talking manner - reportedly telling then-Prime Minister Ted Heath to "cut the commercials".
[2][4] A rebuke from a London journalist whose call went unanswered after hours was met with the sharp response; "Did no one tell you?
"[5] Gilmore was seen as instrumental in maintaining the public support and the morale of the workers during the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders action.
He was articulate and reasoned in his dealings with both fellow workers and the media, encouraging Harold Wilson and Tony Benn to visit the shipyard.