The Grunwick strike took place over two years at a film processing plant in Willesden, 1976 to 1978. Led by Jayaben Desai (1933-2010), pictured on the right of the post, she led a walkout of a predominantly female, Asian workforce on 23rd August 1976. They were protesting over poor working conditions, institutionalised racism and pay inequality. By July 1977, they were joined by miners and trade unionists in large numbers. The strike led to more than 500 arrests and many charges of police violence.
The Labour government set up a Court of Inquiry (the Scarman Inquiry)where it was recommended that all the strikers be reinstated, proposing that unions assist the company and employees move forward with improved conditions. Four strikers, including Desai, sat outside Congress House in London for three days on hunger strike. Nevertheless, the report was rejected by company founder George Ward, and all the strikers lost their jobs. Jayaben Desai had become a national figure and respected trade unionist. She went on to teach at the Brent Indian Association and Harrow College.