The team is led by foreman Konstantin Tokmakov and crew chief Nikolay Pasechnik, a shockworker of Socialist Labour known for his charm, wit, and popularity among women.

Among the workers is welder Katerina Petrashen', an unconventional young woman who smokes (a habit frowned upon as immoral), wears colorful dresses, is not a member of the Komsomol, and behaves in a way deemed provocative by others.

Tensions rise when site manager Igor Deryabin orders work to continue during severe weather, resulting in a critical piece of equipment becoming uncontrollable and endangering the construction.

Later, as prolonged rains delay construction, Nikolay and Tokmakov devise a plan to assemble equipment on the ground, enabling the project to progress despite Deryabin's absence.

During the final stage of construction, Nikolay heroically climbs the structure to plant a red flag but falls from a great height, sustaining severe injuries.