The long-running strike at the Grunwick film processing factory in north London was called off with the owners claiming victory.

The dispute started in July 1976 following the sacking of over 100 employees who were demanding the right to belong to a union.

The strike received widespread union support, with workers belonging to other unions refusing to deal with the company. People also travelled from all over the country to join the picket line outside the factory in Willesden.

For a few weeks in June and July 1977 the dispute turned violent with fighting between the picket lines and police broadcast on television.

However, the strike was never able to disrupt the company as the majority of the workforce remained at work, and so after nearly two years they admitted defeat.