More than 500,000 UNISON members working in local government the length and breadth of England, Wales and Northern Ireland have brought schools and council services to a standstill on the first day of a 48 hour strike over
pay.
Libraries, leisure centres, schools, rubbish collection, street cleansing,
town planning, environmental health and council tax collection have all been
affected. Municipal museums, theatres and art galleries are closed or face
restricted opening.
UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, said: