Hundreds of civil servants across Shropshire launched a 48-hour strike joining the 270,000 that are expected to strike around the country in a row over redundancy pay. This is the biggest walk out of civil servants since 1987. We received welcome support from passing motorists and colleagues from other Trade Unions.

We are taking action because the Government have scrapped the old terms and conditions of the Civil Service Compensation Scheme and, after several months negotiating with Trade Unions, decided to impose new terms without mutual agreement. The PCS Union is seeking to get back to the negotiating table and come to a mutually agreeable set of terms and conditions.

After manning picket lines I met up with other Shropshire activists to attended a march and rally in Birmingham along with around 200 other people from across the Midlands region. The rally was addressed by the Midlands Regional Chairman, Tony Conway, the PCS Assistant Secretary, Chris Baugh, and speakers from Amicus, NUT and the FBU, who generously presented us with a donation of £1000 towards the hardship fund.

After the rally there was time for a relaxing drink with friends and colleagues before heading home for a well earned rest.

Related links:

Shropshire Star Front Page

Shropshire Star – Workers Walk Out

Picket Lines Photo Gallery

Birmingham March & Rally Photo Gallery