Unison

Unison

On 28th March 2006, over a million public sector workers went on strike. The public sector workers help to keep water clean, transport running and colleges and universities running. Without these many public services would come to a halt.

Hundreds of schools, libraries and sport centres are due to close for 24 hours. Traffic wardens, housing associations, the Probation Service, the Meat Hygiene Service, street sweepers, home care, occupational therapy and other social services are also taking part in this strike. The strike is over plans to scrap the rule allowing some people to retire at 60 on a full pension.

The unions say that this could be the biggest stoppage in the UK since the General Strike back in 1926. The unions taking part in this strike is Unison, T&G, GMB and Amicus.

The strike began at midnight on the 28th March 2006, this has lead to the closure of the Mersey tunnel and Mersey ferry, making motorists take a 40 mile detour through Runcorn Bridge. 120 schools, 24 libraries and 15 leisure centres in Liverpool have closed. The Tyne Tunnel and Metro in Newcastle have also closed. Multi-storey car parks in Newcastle have not opened, leading to major congestion on the roads.

Note: Traffic wardens are also on strike, so take advantage and park on double yellow and double red lines while you can! He he

Picket lines are expected all over the country, with rallies taking place in Glasgow and Edinburgh. A picket line has also took place at North Warwickshire & Hinckley College.

Unison
Unison