At least 1,000 trade union members carrying placards and banners wound through the Steel City in a march organized by the TUC in a nearly-universal demand for better wages, better working conditions – and less feet-dragging in reaching an agreement.
The massive rally was perhaps the first ever in the city to see combined action by some of the unions present, including NEU, UCU, RMT and GMB Health.
Educators from the National Education Union and the University & College Union in particular were out in force. More than a dozen schools made themselves known with banners carried by staff, including King Edward VII, Tapton, Handsworth Grange and Birley Spa Primary Academy.
Secretary for the Sheffield TUC Martin Mayer spoke to the crowd from the steps of City Hall. He said: “This is much more than just about pay, it is about the future. It’s about what sort of society we want to be.
"The priority is pay but it is also about wanting a better government and society, and the trade union movement is absolutely part of that.”
1. Massive TUC strike rally winds through Sheffield city centre
The massive rally in Sheffield today drew from more than half a dozen trade unions under the TUC, including the NEU, FMB, UCU, PCS, GMB, RMT and more. Photo: Alastair Ulke
2. Massive TUC strike rally winds through Sheffield city centre
The rally of at least 1,000 people in Sheffield came the day after more than 400,000 workers across a number of sectors walked out on March 15. Photo: Alastair Ulke
3. Massive TUC strike rally winds through Sheffield city centre
The rally meets at Devonshire Green for 12.30. At full strength, the crowd likely exceeded 1,000 people. Photo: Alastair Ulke
4. Massive TUC strike rally winds through Sheffield city centre
The rally had a huge representation from educators, particularly from the NEU and the UCU. Photo: Alastair Ulke