The leader of the fast-track workers' party is appointed worker director of the unprofitable Lucie mine. The wrong decisions he makes to increase production at any cost and to fulfil an unrealistic plan lead to a catastrophe in which his son is accidentally killed. After overwhelming criticism, the failed director wants to quit, but the senior management and party authorities continue to have faith in him...

The story takes place in a metallurgical plant where important technological changes are being made while the plant is in full operation. However, a mistake in the project puts the entire plant at risk, as a gas explosion threatens. All the workers then forget about any potential rifts and join forces to prevent the worst...