Natalie Greenfields and Gina Dee, customer services advisors in Ealing, west London, explain why they’re striking for fair pay.
Natalie, who works in environmental services, said: “I feel poorer now than I did five years ago. At first we thought ‘fair enough’, we need to cut back. But the government doesn’t seem to want to stop.
“For them, it’s not about the money any more. And public service workers are getting it in the neck. We are doing a really good job, which no-one else really wants to do – out there in the community, looking after vulnerable people.
“But we are getting a raw deal. And we can’t cope any more. We are the forgotten workers.”
Gina who works in housing benefit, said: “All politicians talk about having a passionate desire to make a difference. But what difference are they making now?
“I’d like them to search in their hearts, to remember why they became politicians in the first place, and to remember where they came from.
“This is my first march. I’ve been a UNISON member for years, but in the past, when there were other marches, I couldn’t take part because I had to pick up my son from school. He’s 16 now, so he can look after himself for a while.
“Lots of mothers are in the same situation. It’s ironic, that we want to strike over pay, but we can’t because we can’t afford child care.”
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