In pictures: 'Strikers in saris' mural unveiled in Birmingham

Image source, Network Rail

Image caption, The mural has been painted on to Soho bridge in Handsworth, Birmingham
  • Author, Vanessa Pearce
  • Role, 成人快手 News, West Midlands

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A mural depicting protesting South Asian factory workers in the 1970s has been unveiled.

The colourful artwork was painted on Soho Bridge in Handsworth, Birmingham, to commemorate immigrants who fought for equal working conditions.

In 1976, a group of women who became known as the "strikers in saris" began a revolt over poor working conditions at the Grunwick film processing factory in Willesden, north-west London.

Eventually more than 20,000 people joined protests in the streets.

Image source, Network Rail

Image caption, Protesting workers from the film processing factory were dubbed "strikers in saris"

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Image source, Network Rail

Image caption, The mural was created by Pakistani artist Haider Ali

During the dispute the Indian Workers' Association, set up in Coventry, arranged for coaches to take supporters from Birmingham to London.

Poor pay, exploitation and workplace intimidation was rife for immigrant workers across the country.

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Image source, Network Rail

Image caption, It took the artist five weeks to create the piece

Image source, Network Rail

Image caption, Eventually more than 20,000 people joined in the protest

The mural hopes to highlight not only their fight but the cultural and economic impact on Birmingham following the arrival of South Asian immigrants from Africa, India and Pakistan, said Network Rail.

The mural, by Pakistani artist Haider Ali, from Karachi, was produced in conjunction with British Asian magazine DESIblitz.

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