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

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The mural has been painted on to Soho bridge in Handsworth, Birmingham

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.

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Protesting workers from the film processing factory were dubbed "strikers in saris"
Network Rail MuralNetwork Rail
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.

Network Rail MuralNetwork Rail
It took the artist five weeks to create the piece
Network Rail MuralNetwork Rail
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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