Back in Time for the Factory

The workers start their journey in 1968, the year that the female strikers of Dagenham bought the Ford factory to a standstill and the question of women's pay into the headlines. Their first task is to produce pink nylon petticoats, but first they need to master the sewing machines and overlockers on the factory floor. The reality of the production line is a rude awakening for many - long monotonous hours with short breaks and few distractions, but even more shocking is the realisation that some of them are being paid less than half the rate of the men on the factory floor.

In 1973, manufacturing output and productivity was at its highest since the war. The women are tasked with producing the 70s' must-have fashion staple - bright orange flares. And with business booming, targets have to be met.

The workers are also having fun, experiencing the upsides of factory work - enjoying the range of clubs and activities which factory bosses supported while manufacturing was still thriving. From football practice to slimming club, the women experience the rich social life of the factory. A day trip to Barry Island also sees the women let their hair down for a proper 1970s day out at the seaside complete with ice cream and dodgem cars.

In 1976, the women discover whether changes in the law lead to equality.

Modern women go back to 1983 to discover the harsh reality of life on the factory floor.

The story of the original factory girls who took on the fight for equality.