Tens of thousands of people from UNISON and across the trade union sector marched through the streets of London this weekend.
We asked them …
Why are you marching?
Irvin, branch secretary of Loughborough UNISON branch
“We want better pay rises. What they’ve offered is just not good enough and we want something better. So we’re here representing our branch and, with all these people here, hopefully we can make a change.”
Collina (centre), Loughborough branch comms, equalities and lifelong learning officer
“It’s just a passion of mine. I really want to make change and I think this is the way to do it. Altogether, as one, to make a difference in everyones lives.”
Leo, housing officer from Charnwood branch
“I’m here marching to demand better of the government. Wages are being driven down, terms and conditions of employment are under threat and meanwhile, we see the rich getting richer. It’s just not a fair society at the moment.”
Susannah, a psychological wellbeing practitioner from Berkshire healthcare branch and her daughter Tamsin
“For equality for better rights for better working conditions for staff, I just think they’re gonna destroy the NHS and I want to make sure that that survives, for my daughter, Tamsin.”
Nadine, a tenancy assistant from Hull branch
“We’ve been working so much and we’ve had higher workloads and no better pay. This is a way to show what we are demanding. We are trying to make ends meet, we are talking about people with families, I have to look after four kids and I have to budget very well. In September and October prices are going to rise again. What are we going to do with 1.75%? It’s not fair. That’s why we’re marching.”
Faye, a teaching assistant and schools convenor from Haringey branch
“Everything is rising, pay is frozen. Its basically to show we’re united in helping with the cost of living and to stop pay cuts!”
Gabby, a housing officer from Havering branch
“I’m here because enough is enough and we do deserve better. We need a decent pay rise.”