Dagenham Ford sewing machinists strike and Equal Pay Act commemorative plate

Like so much of PHM’s collection, there is great symbolism to this piece. It was created to commemorate the Dagenham Ford sewing machinists’ gaining of equal pay following their strike in 1968, but also reflects a story of considerable contemporary relevance. It was in 1970 that the Equal Pay Act was passed following the strike, in which women workers were demanding to be paid the same as men doing equivalent jobs. Whilst the quest for equal pay would lead to the 1970 act, the recognition of their work being skilled, which was seen as just as important, took another 16 years to resolve. Both chapters of history are recognised on the plate.

Helen Thackray, Programme Manager at People’s History Museum, says ‘This plate is an important reminder that the fight for equality is an ongoing process and that every step forward should be acknowledged and celebrated. The gender pay gap still exists in 2020 but people continue to raise awareness of it and challenge it, just as the Dagenham Ford sewing machinists did. I hope that soon we might be commemorating the elimination of the gap.’