Thousands of people marched through Leeds city centre as train drivers, teachers and other key unions held industrial action on Wednesday.
The Trades Union Congress brought together tens of unions, each marching in solidarity with one another and pushing their message for higher pay, better working environments and protecting the right to strike. The march came down the Headrow, with thousands gathering outside Leeds Town Hall to stage a rally.
There were a number of teaching unions, as teachers across the country begin their first day of strike action. Members of the National Education Union (NEU) voted for strike action after rejecting a fie per cent pay increase from the government, the NEU is demanding a pay increase above the current inflation rate.
Read More: The 31 Leeds schools which will be closed for teachers' strikes
There are four days of planned action from the NEU. Today (Wednesday, February 1) is the first day with Tuesday, February 28, Wednesday, March 15 and Thursday, March 16 also planned.
Today, in Leeds, teachers, train drivers, NHS workers and other keynote speakers shared their passion for why they are on strike, putting pressure on the Tory government. Among the speakers, was the leader of Leeds City Council, James Lewis, who during his talk said Leeds and Labour "stand behind and support the strikes."
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During his speech, Cllr Lewis said: "We see not just the strength and solidarity, but those who are out on strike and the support that the people of Leeds are giving everyone.
"Even people who aren't in trade unions, or aren't in organisations where trade unions are recognised, this is a battle to make sure people are treated right and paid right.
"We will be with you as a labour group of councillors, we hope everyone wins their industrial action." One teacher, who wanted to remain anonymous, told LeedsLive: "Back when Covid was happening, parents and the government soon realised that we were key workers.
"I am standing with my colleagues and other key workers to prove that we all deserve better pay, we don't want to be on strike, we don't want to be stood out in the cold, we want to be teaching the kids. It's not only about the pay, it's the work we have to do and the amount of time we spend outside of school planning and preparing, we need a real-terms pay increase and so far, the government have stayed silent."
As the rally continued, more guest speakers took to the Leeds Town Hall steps, each calling out the government and sharing their support for all who are on strike. UCU past-president Vicky Blake said: "Everyone, I want you to remember today, is the first day of spring, and with spring we have green shoots and we have flowers blossoming.
"You today are the flowers of the movement, for demanding our rights together, give yourself a massive cheer."
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