Catalogue Number
NMLH.1993.153
Object Name
Plate
Title
Ford Machinists' Strike commemorative plate, 1984 MAY - JUNE 1968 FORD SEWING MACHINISTS WIN EQUAL PAY AND SECURE PASSAGE OF THE 1970 EQUAL PAY ACT...
Place
Dagenham, Essex
People
O'Callaghan,L; McGovan,K; et al; AMALGAMATED ENGINEERING UNION
Events
Strike
Description
Ford Machinists' Strike commemorative plate, 1984
This plate was produced to commemorate the historic struggle of the Ford Sewing Machinists in Dagenham between 1968 and 1984. The text on the plate reads 'MAY - JUNE 1968 FORD SEWING MACHINISTS WIN EQUAL PAY AND SECURE PASSAGE OF THE 1970 EQUAL PAY ACT...'
The Ford Sewing Machinists went on strike in 1968 for skill recognition, upgrading, and equal pay â they were successful in obtaining equal pay and helped to pave the way for the 1970 Equal Pay Act. It took a further 17 years and another strike, in 1984, to gain the recognition that their work was skilled and they should receive upgrading and skill recognition on par with men.
The principle âEqual Pay for Work of Equal Valueâ now serves as a model for other employers to follow.The Dagenham strikes are seen as key contributions to the advancement of Womenâs Rights in the workplace.
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