Early morning sees J30 Strike action unfold across Chester city centre as offices and schools remain closed. Picture Frances Laing.
The Driver Vehicle and Licensing Agency (DVLA) offices in Chester were shut down from early this morning due to strike action. Local grass roots support was solidly in evidence – I was told the postman didn’t cross the picket line.
Strikers and those in solidarity including NUT members and supporters from the general public will rally on Chester Town Square at 12.30 p.m. see map under the Cheshire West Against the Cuts coalition umbrella. The rally is the first of it’s kind for twenty years. Children, teachers, carers, parents and grandparents will be gathering there too – together with people with disabilities, their communities and families – those campaigning to save the NHS and turn the tide on the devastating cuts to disability and welfare benefits (see previous post).
Most schools in Cheshire are closing due to NUT strike action.
PCS picket shuts down DVLA offices Chester. Picture by Frances Laing.
All 17 PCS members went on strike at the DVLA offices with a focus on the pensions issue. In concrete terms one employee told me government proposals would mean she would be paying £45 a month more for her pension and that she would have to work longer – to get it – an extra eight years.
PCS strike Job Centre Chester. Picture Frances Laing.
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