How a 1968 Ford strike paved the way for equal pay

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 1968, a group of female machinists at Ford's Dagenham plant decided they had enough. Facing regrading to lower-paid unskilled labor, they launched a strike that would eventually lead to the Equal Pay Act 1970, changing the landscape of British labor rights forever.

The conflict centered on the Ford Dagenham plant, which was the fifth largest facility internationally. At the time, the plant employed 55,000 people, but fewer than 200 of those workers were women. These women were primarily machinists responsible for sewing the cars' upholstery—a task that required significant skill, as the pieces often had to be assembled without the aid of a template. The plant's workforce was largely male, with women making up a tiny fraction of the total staff. These workers were tasked with sewing upholstery, a job that required precision despite the lack of templates.

The strike gained significant momentum when the machinists' spokesperson, Rita, presented evidence of their skilled work to management. The dispute reached a turning point when the Employment Secretary for the Labour Party, Barbara Castle, refused to back down against threats from Ford representatives to pull factories from the UK. Instead, she stood firm on the principle of fair pay, ultimately leading to a resolution where workers returned with a decent raise. The tension escalated when Ford representatives threatened to withdraw manufacturing operations from the United Kingdom. However, Barbara Castle supported the workers, ensuring they received a fair wage increase.

The success of this industrial action had lasting legal consequences, directly contributing to the passing of the Equal Pay Act 1970. Nigel Cole directed this 2010 British comedy-drama, which earned praise from critics and several BAFTA nominations. The 2010 film received positive reviews, including three stars from The Guardian. It also secured four nominations at the British Academy Film Awards.

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