Arrangements for the march
Why are we marching
We are facing difficult times, and there are many reasons why we are marching - to defend services and jobs, show there is an alternative to unnecessary cuts, or stop the break-up and privatisation of services like the NHS. UNISON has produced some factsheets to explain why we are marching on 26 March.
Defending jobs and services- Fair pay for public service workers
- Protect our pensions
- Unnecessary and unfair cuts
- The threat of privatisation
Coach drop off points
Details of coach drop-off points are on the March for the Alternative site:
March for the Alternative - coach drop-off pointsThe March
- The march will assemble from 11.00am (UNISON stewards will be on site from 9.00am)
- The march is scheduled to move off at 12.00 noon.
- The head of the march will be at Embankment tube station (Hungerford Bridge).
- Once on Embankment, UNISON marchers should move towards Embankment tube station. The UNISON section of the march is at the front of the trade union section. This will be just before Hungerford Bridge and will be marked by the national banner and a number of large inflatables with the UNISON logo. UNISON stewards will also be distributing UNISON materials at this point.
- At the assembly point look out for young members, Black, LGBT and women's banners.
Map of the March RouteRemember to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, plenty of food, and warm clothes. It will be a long day, especially for those travelling long distances on coaches - so be prepared!
Access from North of the River Thames
Embankment tube station. You will not be able to exit onto the Embankment. You should walk up Villiers Street to the Strand. Turn right and proceed along the Strand until you reach Savoy Street. Turn right into Savoy Street and proceed to the bottom where you can access Embankment. If Embankment becomes congested, Savoy Street will be closed.If Savoy Street is closed, you should proceed along the Strand past Waterloo Bridge until you reach Arundel Street. Turn right into Arundel Street and proceed to the bottom of the street where you will reach Temple Place. You should turn left into Temple Place. You can access Embankment from Temple Place.
Temple tube station. You should turn left when exiting Temple Tube station, go up the stairs and turn right into the eastern half of Temple Place. You can access Embankment from Temple Place. Please note: The western half of Temple Place and Surrey Street will be closed due to health and safety considerations.
Access from South of the River Thames
Waterloo Bridge. The steps down from Waterloo Bridge directly on to Embankment will be closed. Those crossing Waterloo Bridge should turn right into the Strand and proceed to Savoy Street or Arundel Street as explained above.Blackfriars Bridge. Those crossing Blackfriars Bridge should turn left onto the Embankment.
Please note: There will be no access to Hungerford Bridge from both directions. Blackfriars tube station will be closed. Although a final decision has still to be made, it is likely that Westminster tube station will also be closed.
Access and disability
Full details of access for the march and the rally, from
March for the Alternative - Access and DisabilityLegal issues
The TUC have arranged that Liberty stewards will act as legal observers on the march and that UNISON has set up a legal helpline with Thompsons on 0800 587 7530 - add the number to your mobile phone.Promote the march
March 26th is expected to be the largest civil society demonstration in almost ten years. However we realise that it's not practical or feasible for everyone join in the march.Whether you're attending the march or not you can help create an online protest that matches that on the street.
False Economy has details of online actions and how you can add a 'twibbon' to show your support on Facebook and Twitter.
False Economy - be a virtual marcher
Staying in touch
Follow what's happening on the march. We'll be doing a live blog, and including some of your photos and live reports. Keep up to date whether you're on the march, or not.
Staying in touch
Useful links
March for the Alternative - march locationsNational rail - service updateTraffic zones - pdfTube mapsAccessible Tube MapFind a seat on a coach
