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Supreme Quilting strike, 1982

In 1982, 300 women machinists went on strike in protest at the sacking of two men at the Supreme Quilting clothing factory in Smethwick, West Midlands. The men had been recruiting for the Transport and General Workers Union. The women also complained of low wages - many having a take-home pay of £30 for a 40 hour week. After a prolonged dispute, during which the strikers [mainly Asian women] maintained a 24-hour picket of the Raindi Textiles factory [a sister company], they went back to work after promises of union recognition. The two men remained sacked.

Copyright: Derek Bishton

Title Supreme Quilting strike, 1982
Maker --
Production Date 1982
Format Photograph
Copyright Bishton, Derek
Holding Institution TUC Library Collections, London Metropolitan University
Related Objects --
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