Tens of thousands marched through the capital today as around two million public sector workers took strike action today. This is the largest industrial action in this country for decades and comes off the back of months of discontent from unions.
Trade Unions are not happy about this
The strikes are specifically about pensions but many trade unionists see the dispute in far wider terms. Trade unionists are angry at cuts, the threatened erosion of workers rights and a host of Coalition policies that deepen the impact of the economic crisis on working people. Pensions are the issue that have brought people out – and judging by today’s demonstrations they have support from young and old, black and white, white collar and blue collar workers.
As Beatrix Campbell said earlier today “Listening to strikers it is apparent that they are very afraid of the coalition government’s surgical attack on the public sector and the culture of public service: November 30 it is about money, jobs, services and the people who need and use those services. It is about everything.”
Around 15,000 schools were shut across the country, along with council offices, translations services and numerous other walk outs and actions including disruption to border control.
The TUC said that around 25,000 attended today’s march which started in Lincoln’s Inn Fields which feels like a credible estimate having spent the day taking pictures and videos around London (watch this space).
Anyone who joined the strikers today will have been surprised to hear that David Cameron was jeering that the strike had not been solid – even as scare stories broke that the strike had been too effective.
Rallies across the capital like that in Lambeth (more) and Lewisham brought together the hundreds of disparate workplace pickets with an upbeat carnival atmosphere. There was also an UK Uncut / Occupy style action and numerous strikers breakfasts, gigs, rallies and other events.
The mood seemed genuinely optimistic so further strikes seem likely if the government does not get back to the negotiating table.
Excellent round up at East London Lines.
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