There was a strong showing of support and solidarity for striking rail workers in Liverpool today as the first of three nationwide walk outs began.
Today around 50,000 rail workers have walked out on strike as part of what is being described the 'biggest rail strike in modern history'. The Rail and Maritime Transport workers union (RMT) says the action is taking place because of proposed job cuts and the fact rail workers have not had a pay rise in three years and are suffering during the cost of living crisis.
The strikes are causing major disruption this week. The entire Merseyrail network will not operate today or on the other strike days of Thursday and Saturday because Network Rail staff are walking out. National and regional services in and out of the region will also be severely cut back.
READ MORE: You can follow updates from today's rail strike here
But while the government is keen to turn the public against the unions and striking workers, today saw many come out in support for those on strike in Liverpool. This included fellow workers, members of the public and local politicians.
A major picket line was put in place outside Liverpool Lime Street station, while workers also picketed outside Liverpool Central Station. At Lime Street, RMT regional council secretary Darren Pilling said: "I spent most of yesterday watching the media and getting quite upset at the vitriol coming from certain groups. It upset me quite a lot because we were described as militant, nasty people. I look at these people taking industrial action and they are normal people. We respect the communities we live in, we care about our communities.
"We have had it presented to us that our pay, our conditions and our futures on the railways are under threat. This is the first national rail strike for 30 years, that's not premature, that's not the actions of an irresponsible trade union, this is the first time we've had to take such action in 30 years.
"Our people are not on anything like the figures the government are telling people. During covid, we sat down with the government and came up with a plan to get people moving and we were called heroes. We didn't want to be called heroes, we just wanted to do our jobs and keep our communities and the economy moving. It's three years down the track now with no pay rise and there are people here that are starting to hurt. We know people will understand that because lots of people are starting to hurt."
A number of local politicians were supporting the strike at Lime Street. This included Liverpool Council cabinet member Sarah Doyle, who said she believed the people of Liverpool would "stand firm" with those walking out this week.
She said: "People are finding themselves being able to see why these people are striking, because of what they are experiencing in their own homes. People have gone from living month to month to living week to week.
"Workers should be paid a decent wage and given good terms and conditions. Why should workers who were the backbone of the country during the pandemic, why should they be facing going to foodbanks after spending years of their lives working hard. It is absolutely disgraceful and enough is enough."
In a wider statement, the Liverpool Council Labour Group added: "We support a campaign a for a better deal for all working people in the face of the cost-of-living crisis. We call upon government to urgently put resources in place to end widespread poverty, economic uncertainty and to properly fund public services.
"We urge our communities to stand in Solidarity with the rail workers striking this week and to attend a local picket line if they can. Please get in touch if you need these details."
The strikes have received plenty of support across the ECHO's various social media pages today. The vast majority of those commenting on our facebook live video from Lime Street this morning offered solidarity to those walking out.
Caz Atko said: "Fully support their action and think the government and media spin is disgraceful. Won’t be long before other organisations stand up and be counted too." Netty Wood said: "Good luck guys why should good hard working people suffer because they want a decent living wage." Colin Doran added: "Good luck with the strike action I’m fully behind you guys - keep up the fight."
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