MPX5123874: Women sewing machinists at the Ford Motor Company plant in Dagenham took strike action on 7 June, 1968 in support of a claim for regrading, parity with their male colleagues in the C pay grade and recognition of their skills. After 3 weeks on strike they settled for 92% of the C grade rate. Although not an equal pay strike, the strike was given a high profile when the whole plant was closed and Barbara Castle, the Employment Minister, was brought in to help negotiate a settlement. Barbara Castle is pictured with the strikers after the settlement had been reached. Beside her on the right is Mrs Rose Boland, shop steward for the workers June 1968 (b/w photo) / Bridgeman Images