Join us for a special film screening and panel conversation marking the 50th anniversary of the start of the Grunwick dispute. This event offers an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the dispute, hear insights from invited speakers, and explore its lasting impact on workers’ rights and community solidarity. 

“ Saris of Strength “ chronicles the courageous journey of predominantly South Asian women workers at the Grunwick film processing plant in Willesden, London. Led by the formidable Jayaben Desai, these women stood against oppressive working conditions, demanding dignity, fair pay, and union recognition. Their struggle highlighted the intersection of race, gender, and labour rights, and became a beacon of solidarity within the UK labour movement. People from Birmingham and the wider West Midlands played their part in this pivotal moment in British labour history.

Following the screening, a panel discussion will explore the broader implications of the Grunwick Dispute. The panel features renowned historians, labour rights activists, and filmmakers who will provide in-depth analysis and reflections on the enduring impact of the dispute. They will discuss the significance of the Grunwick Strikes in the broader context of labour rights movements in the Birmingham and the UK, the role of immigrant workers in shaping labour history, and the continued relevance of these issues today.
 

This event is organised in In partnership with DESIblitz.