THERE was a huge turnout for a city rally in support of strikers taking part in Walkout Wednesday.
It was standing room only as more than 150 people crammed into St Peter's Baptist Church in Eden Close on Wednesday, (February 1).
In attendance were speakers from Worcestershire branches of Unison, Unite and the Fire Brigades Union as well as workers taking part in the day of industrial action.
Among the speakers was Sean McCauley, Worcestershire branch joint secretary for the National Education Union.
He said: "What a momentous day this actually is.
"Why are teachers on strike?
"It is about the cost of living crisis. We have lost 13 per cent of our pay over the last 13 years.
"That is through pay caps and pay freezes - that is unsustainable.
"I'm asked where is the money [to pay for pay increases].
"Let's make sure people like Nadhim Zahawi pay their taxes.
"Our fight is for the heart of education, it is about the future of education we are fighting for."
Speakers at the rally highlighted their individual disputes with the government, and voiced their opposition to the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill.
Under that bill, some employees, including in the rail industry and emergency services, would be required to work during industrial action - and could be sacked if they refuse.
Stephen Brown, regional organiser of the Musicians Union, said people had the right to stand up and fight for fair pay.
"This is a cost of living crisis entirely of the government's making and workers are merely responding," he told the crowd which applauded throughout.
Schools across Worcestershire were hit by the strike action, many either being fully or partially closed.
Among the schools completely closed were Red Hill CE Primary School in Worcester, St George's CE Primary School in Worcester, The Chase in Malvern and Witton Middle School, Droitwich.
READ MORE: Updates as Worcestershire schools close for teachers strike
READ MORE: Should I send my kid to school during teacher strikes? Guidance for parents revealed
Meanwhile, there was another big turnout on the picket line outside the University of Worcester's St John Campus.
Richard Pepperell, lecturer and branch committee chairman, said there has been public support again for their strike, including from students.
He said 63 members took part in last November's action and there had been a similar number on Wednesday.
He added the strike was not just about pay, but also conditions.
"Nobody wants to strike, you lose a day's pay," he said.
"We believe in better working conditions for our members."
He added members would stay the course, with further strike action planned next week.
Conservative MP for Worcester, Robin Walker, has previously defended the new legislation.
"The proposed legislation does not restrict the right to strike but it does set minimum service levels which have to be in place when strike action affects essential public services," he told us.
"I would always urge both government and the unions to engage as much as possible in order to avoid strikes."
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