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	--