Jayaben Desai, born on April 2, 1933, in Dharmaj, Gujarat, India, was more than a trade unionist — she was a symbol of resilience, courage, and an unwavering voice for workers’ rights. In the 1970s, as an Indian-born immigrant in Britain, Jayaben Desai found herself at the forefront of a monumental labor dispute that would reshape the landscape of workers’ rights in the country.
Leading the Grunwick strike, she became a force of inspiration not only for the women and immigrant communities of her time but for generations to come. This is the story of how Jayaben Desai, a small woman with an indomitable spirit, stood tall against systemic inequality and institutionalized racism, changing the course of history.
Early Life of Jayaben Desai: From Gujarat to Britain
Jayaben Desai’s journey began in Gujarat, where she grew up in a middle-class mercantile family. In 1956, she moved to Tanzania, where she married Suryakant Desai, a factory owner, at the age of 22.
Despite their comfortable middle-class background, life took an unexpected turn when the couple migrated to Britain in the 1960s, just before the Commonwealth Immigrants Act of 1968 made immigration more difficult for citizens of former British colonies. Like many immigrants of that era, Jayaben Desai soon found that her previous life in Tanzania and her middle-class status did not shield her from the hardships awaiting her in Britain.
The Grunwick Dispute: A Battle for Dignity
In Britain, Jayaben Desai had to take on low-paid jobs to support her family. First working as a sewing machinist, she later found employment at the Grunwick film processing factory in London. It was here that she encountered the appalling working conditions faced by the predominantly Asian, female workforce. Workers were subjected to long hours, inadequate pay, and a culture of institutional racism. Employees were even questioned about why they needed to use the restroom, a stark violation of basic human dignity.
Desai’s breaking point came when she was asked to work overtime without her consent. Rather than quietly accept her situation, she made a powerful statement. Upon resigning, she famously told the factory manager, “What you are running here is not a factory, it is a zoo. In a zoo, there are many types of animals. Some are monkeys who dance on your fingertips, others are lions who can bite your head off. We are those lions, Mr. Manager.”
With this bold declaration, Jayaben Desai catalyzed the Grunwick dispute, a two-year strike that would come to symbolize the struggles of immigrant and female workers in Britain. Her courage inspired her fellow workers to stand up for their rights. Together, they protested against the oppressive working conditions, pay inequality, and systemic racism that permeated the factory.
The Lioness Leads the Picket Line
The Grunwick strike, which lasted from 1976 to 1978, saw Desai emerging as a dynamic and fearless leader. The strike was not only about better wages and working conditions but also about the fundamental human right to dignity in the workplace. Desai’s leadership quickly gained national attention, and she became the face of the movement.
Despite facing hostility, sexism, and racist taunts, Desai remained resolute. She was known for her powerful oratory skills and unwavering determination. She often spoke out against the lack of support from the Trades Union Congress (TUC), criticizing their tepid response to the struggles of Asian women in the workforce. Desai was not one to be easily silenced, and her voice resonated deeply with the thousands who joined the picket lines, including postal workers who refused to deliver mail to Grunwick in solidarity.
A Historic Dispute and Its Legacy
The British Prime Minister at the time, Jim Callaghan, appointed Lord Justice Scarman to mediate the dispute. Desai, who testified at length before the inquiry, made a lasting impression with her articulate and heartfelt statements. Ultimately, Scarman’s report recommended that the union should be recognized, and the sacked workers should be reinstated. However, the factory owner chose to ignore the ruling, and the unions, disheartened by the drawn-out process, gradually withdrew their support.
Despite the strike officially ending on July 14, 1978, without victory, the Grunwick dispute left an indelible mark on the history of labor rights in Britain. It brought to the forefront the plight of immigrant and female workers, whose struggles had long been ignored. More importantly, it highlighted the leadership of women like Jayaben Desai, who, despite overwhelming odds, refused to back down.
Life Beyond the Picket Line
After the strike, Desai returned to the sewing industry and later became a teacher at Harrow College. In her later years, she continued to encourage women to seek independence. In a particularly inspiring move, she passed her driving test at the age of 60, emphasizing to other women the importance of freedom and self-reliance.
In an interview for the Brent Museum and Archives, Desai reflected on the strike with a deep sense of pride, saying, “It was amazing… tears were in my eyes to see these people… they were hurting themselves, and the police were charging them with horses and everything, and still, they were standing strong.”
A Lasting Legacy
Jayaben Desai passed away on December 23, 2010, but her legacy lives on. Her ashes were scattered near the sources of the Indus and Ganges rivers, as well as the Thames in Rotherhithe, symbolizing the international nature of her life and struggle. In 2016, she was posthumously honored by BBC Radio Four’s Woman’s Hour as one of seven women on their Power List, a testament to the enduring impact of her courageous leadership.
In 2017, a portrait of Desai by David Mansell was acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in London, ensuring that her image and story remain a part of British history. Her name continues to inspire workers and activists across the world, a reminder of the power of standing up for justice, no matter the cost.
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