November 30: Public say strikes are “disruptive, but necessary”

A march similar to this is expected as Unison join the day of action taking place across the UK pic: Garry Knight

Up to two million public sector workers in London and across the country will strike tomorrow in the biggest industrial action seen for generations.
The protests are expected to cause significant disruption as public sector workers, including transport workers, teachers and border officials walk out. Trade unions will also march through central London during the day. For a comprehensive map of planned picket and rally locations, as well as march routes across London, click here.

Eastlondonlines will be covering the events taking place in London live. We asked east London locals whether they support the strikes and how they expect to be affected on the day.

Brian Hegan

Brian Hegan, 58, Retail security, Croydon

“I support the strikes 100%. I have always supported these views and have been a trade union member up until I was made redundant from the NHS in May 2010. If it wasn’t for that, I would have been in the same situation myself.”

“However, the strikes shouldn’t be an issue for me on the day.”

 

Hayley Powers

Hayley Powers, 21, Topshop Sales Assistant, Wallington

“I work in Topshop so I’m used to lots of strikes. I think striking is for the minority of people, and should not happen in big numbers. That is when people join and it starts to get disruptive. I think the majority of people should just sign a poll, and then a select few should go on strike.”

“The state of the country at the moment means that you can’t just get paid what you want.”

 

Rachel, Student

Rachel, 20, Student, New Cross

“I hadn’t heard about all of the strikes other than that the schools might close for the day. The people who do those jobs don’t get enough pay or respect already. They should try to get as much as they can from the government. We need them after all.”

“But if the schools are closed then what are people supposed to do with their kids? It will affect a lot of people. My cousin has children and I don’t know what she will do.

 

Bill McCourt

Bill McCourt, 74, Retired, Brockley

“I don’t think it is fair when those people relying on public services will suffer. My wife has Alzheimer’s and goes to a day care centre on the day it is taking place. It is the only time she gets out and so she won’t be able to this week.”

“The strike will affect people who really need to use the services.”

 

Mary Bailey

Mary Bailey, 75, Retired, Deptford

“All I can say is good luck to them, as long as nobody dies or gets hurt then I am all for demonstrating, even though it can be disheartening if it does nothing. Life is getting harder, money is getting tighter and it’s like a wheel of fortune – except nobody gets the fortune.”

 

Eleen Wensley

Eleen Wensley, 73, Retired, Croydon

“I only know what I read in the news. I think it’s disruptive. The country is in a bad enough state as it is without people holding the country to ransom. I will not be affected. I just won’t go out.”

 

 

 

Pete Morrison

Pete Morrison, 42, Charity worker, New Cross

“To be honest I didn’t really know much about the strikes. I had heard about them but as it doesn’t personally affect me I hadn’t heard much else. My girlfriend works for the police in the administration and I asked her if she would be on strike but she hadn’t heard anything.”

 

 

 

Reported by Michael Pooler, Claire Shaw and Tom Cheblik

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