Picket lines began in darkness at Bristol’s Frenchay Hospital, where UNISON members joined forces with Unite and GMB in protest.
Domestic supervisor Dayley Lawrence arrived at Frenchay for a 5.30am start and was pleased by the support the picket had received from the public.
“We’ve had a lot of beeping horns and people have been stopping and taking leaflets,” he said. “We’ve also had support from RCN members arriving for work, who can’t come out with us.
“It’s not easy for my colleagues to come out as domestic workers as we’re low paid and a lot of people can’t afford that and it’s hard to come out.
“But we’re here in support of pensions. If these changes are allowed, what’s next? It could be our terms and conditions next time.”
Dawn Harley, a staff nurse at Frenchay and branch secretary for UNISON, said: “I got here about 2.30am and was making bacon sandwiches and sausage sandwiches for refreshments.
“We’re here to defend our pensions. We’re going to be talking to members, the public and everyone we can to spread the message. Then we’ll be off to the march in Bristol city centre later today.”