June 30th: Around the country, in towns, villages and cities, marches and rallies have been taking place in support of those public sector workers striking in defense of their pensions. Members of the teaching unions and civil servants on strike were joined in solidarity by members of other unions, pensioners, school  and college students - all ready to make a stand against what this bosses government is doing. The mood could be summed up in two words: Angry, Determined.

In Chelmsford, in deepest Essex, several hundred trade unionists and others marched through the town centre to a packed rally in a nearby centre. On the way, local government workers came out from the local town hall to applaud them -"we will be out next!"

Steve Kelly (Unite), who lives locally, adds this report:

A big turn out in Chelmsford for public service strike march.  I decided to take the day off work, my union unite was not on strike. I felt I had to in join public sector workers in solidarity,I am glad I did! socialist appeal essex branch helped out before the march leafleting in the town with Chelmsford against the cuts group. We had a very good response from the public, the public were definitly in support.The march set off at 1pm through the high st - I'd say there were 500 on the march, probably the biggest TU march in Chelmsford for many years. NUT members, UCU, PCS, ATL  and unite. young and old, a number off school children glad of the day off  no doubt. It was a lively atmosphere - plenty of banners and union flags. We all congregated at a local church hall   after the march .We had speeches from the 3 teaching unions involved - their 1st joint strike in 100 years. Well done to them.Teachers from levels of education (Primary, Secondary etc)  also spoke.Afterwards a PCS member, hot from the picket line, also spoke from the platform. It seems the working class maybe moving and nothing can stop the workers once they are on the march. Unison, gmb  and unite must organise ballots asap of all their members  and members should push their union leaders to do so. A one day general strike must be organised, involving all unions. We could easily bring the country to a standstill which would shake the ConDems to the core. All in all a great day in Chelmsford and the start of a movement.  Lets unite and fight together - this is a battle we can win !