Scripted

S4C brings the story of the Friction Dynamics strike to the screen with Y Streic Fawr, a new three-part drama produced by Mojo Productions, with former factory workers joining the cast as supporting artists. The series revisits one of the longest industrial disputes in British history, as 86 workers at the Caernarfon car parts factory began a strike in 2001 following changes to pay and working conditions. The protest lasted nearly three years, and although the workers later won their tribunal, the company faced no punishment from the British Government.

Drawing on real-life experiences, several former employees take part in the production, contributing both on screen and through script development sessions with the cast. The drama focuses on the human impact of the dispute, exploring how it affected families, friendships, and the wider community in North West Wales. The cast includes Rhodri Trefor as union figure Tomi Jones, Gruffudd Glyn as strike speaker Gerald Parry, and Rhys ap Trefor as John Davis, who represented the workers in court. Additional cast members include Carwyn Jones, Sion Eifion, Emyr Gibson, Catrin Powell, Manon Wilkinson, and Betsan Ceiriog.

Produced by Llyr Morus, written by Ffion Dafis, and directed by Huw Chiswell, filming is underway in the Caernarfon area, with the series set to air on S4C later this year. Llyr Morus said: “As someone who was brought up in Caernarfon, who remembers sounding the horn when passing the workers on the picket line and going to the rallies on Y Maes, being able to tell this story - and the fact that the former employees have trusted Mojo Productions to do so - is a privilege. The sacrifice made by the 86 men and women twenty-five years ago was enormous. That sacrifice led to change securing better working conditions for future workers, so they deserve our deepest thanks. Marking this history is important in order to educate future generations - ‘Us today, you tomorrow.’ To this day, the impact of the strike can still be seen in Caernarfon, with friendships, families and communities torn apart. It is important that this story is told honestly, with balance, humour, wit and passion of the people of Caernarfon.”

Ffion Dafis, the scriptwriter of Y Streic Fawr said: “About two years ago I read an article about the Friction Dynamics strike. Llyr Morus and I were working on another idea at the time, but at the end of one meeting I mentioned the article to him and said I felt it was important that we document the strike. One conversation led to another, and I began meeting the strikers themselves. Through them, I have come to know their stories, and those have shaped the script. I am very proud that three episodes will record this history - a history that’s an integral part of our community in North Wales.”
Gwenllian Gravelle, S4C’s Drama Commissioner, said: “Y Streic Fawr powerfully brings to life the story of one of the most bitter industrial disputes in modern Welsh history; a story that still burns because of the deep injustice at its core. This production does more than simply look back - it challenges, it demands attention. With gripping, high-tension drama, it shines a light on the truth, ensuring it doesn’t fade away or disappear.”