November 30th Strikes

Wednesday saw possibly the largest one day strike since the winter of discontent. Members of over 30 public sector unions downed tools and took to the streets in protest over planned changes to their pension schemes. The government claims that as people are now living longer the changes are unavoidable, especially at a time of such economic distress, when the whole country needs to tighten their belts. Union leaders are arguing that under the proposed plans workers will have to work longer, pay more, and recieve less, and that it is unfair that the public sector should have to foot the bill for a crisis they did not create whilst bankers get away with huge bonuses.

N30 Protest

Today I am in London covering the planned public sector strike action. If the unions are to be believed, the expected turnout could be one of the largest public sector protests in recent years. This all comes after legnthy talks between union leaders and the government, which in the last few weeks have deteriorated into a somewhat petty PR battle.

From what I can tell, public opinion on these strikes is somewhat divided between those who either support the strike or support their right to strike, and those who believe that the unions are being selfish at a time when the country needs to pull together.
I'd personally like to add that whether you support the strikes or not, could you all please respect their right to strike as it is a valuable part of our democracy.

Follow me on twitter @RDG_Documentary for updates throughout the day.