What a St Andrew's Day! What camaraderie and solidarity. Today was a great success for the South Lanarkshire Branch UNISON, the unions across the Council, and indeed the unions across the entire public sector.
Millions on strike, millions of public sector workers withdrawing their labour, not to be taken lightly, all with a resounding message for this Government that we will not stand by and watch them steal our pensions. David Cameron reckons it was a damp squib - what planet is he on? It's not the first time we've asked this question.
UNISON and GMB pickets arrived early and braved the freezing cold throughout South Lanarkshire. At the Council HQ, Seniors Together showed their support along with former East Kilbride provost and retired teacher Helen Biggins who has got her pension, but is still prepared to fight for the rights of others.
It was great to see the PCS stewards too. Councillor Alan Scott, also a UNISON member and activist, came along to show his support for the pensions campaign. Councillor McAvoy, leader of the council, had already given a message of support from the Labour Group members, who had cancelled the schedule of meetings for the strike day.
Thousands marched in towns and cities across the UK. South Lanarkshire strikers and their families marched through Glasgow, to the rally at the Barrowlands Ballroom.
Well done to members for the strike action today, and thanks to those of you who we exempted from strike action to make sure that life and limb cover was maintained.
