 More than 200,000 people marched in London, Glasgow and Belfast on October 20 against the austerity programme of the Coalition government. According to initial estimates by the trade unions that called the actions, the numbers of participants marchers were: London 150,000, Glasgow 10,000 and Belfast 10,000. Marchers were of all ages and backgrounds – massive and disciplined trade union contingents, students, and families affected by cuts to health and social services. Union leaders speaking at the rally in Hyde Park voiced calls for a general strike against austerity. They included Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the PCS, Bob Crow, general secretary of the RMT, and Unite general secretary Len McCluskey. At the TUC Congress last month, delegates voted to instruct the General Council to give consideration to the practicalities of a general strike. McCluskey asked marchers in Hyde Park if they were ready for a general strike. By acclaim and a huge show of hands, the motion is overwhelmingly carried, he declared!  |