Pensions Justice Birmingham Rally

Brendan Barber speaking at the NIA

On November 30th, for the TUC's 'Day of Action', thousands of public service workers piled into Birmingham's National Indoor Arena for a rally addressed by both striking public service workers and union leaders all campaigning for Pensions Justice.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber, said "We are right to take a stand. Our campaign will go on until we have justice for every public servant."
"We found out yesterday that the government is to step up the attacks on public sector staff with a continuing pay cap and pay variation at a local level."

"This is on top of an increase in the state pension age for anyone under 40 – a toxic triple that will do nothing to get the economy moving again, but will simply hit consumer confidence."

Tony Woodley from UNITE said "We are speaking for the victims of global capitalism. It is the bankers who got us into this, but the pigs are still feeding in the trough."
UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, said "We say to bankers: ‘You caused this crisis and you pay for it. You should clear up this mess’."

Suzanne Rule, a newly qualified teacher from Rugby, NASUWT member and first time striker said "I am 25 and I live at home with my parents. I love them but I want to start my life. Paying more towards my pension and dealing with a pay freeze means that I and all teachers will be taking a hefty pay cut."

Lee Charlton a refuse collector at Birmingham City Council and UNITE member told the rally how the Government's raid on his pension would represent the third, real terms pay cut he will have suffered in the last couple of years

Before the rally Brendan Barber joined picket lines at Handsworth Library and at Birmingham City Hospital where he met with members from many unions, many taking industrial action for the first time.

Prior to the TUC Pensions Justice rally at the NIA, thousands of public service workers took part in a joint public services trade union march through Birmingham city centre.