IT will be the largest day of industrial unrest since the winter of discontent in 1979.

More than 20,000 teachers, civil servants, council and health workers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will take part in the national 24-hour strike next Wednesday over Government plans to reform public sector pensions.

The last national walkout over the pensions dispute in June by teachers and civil servants, saw hundreds of schools and libraries closed across the county.

More services are expected to be disrupted next week – from bin collections to hospital appointments – when 21 unions join the Trades Union Congress day of action.

Yesterday, the Government branded the action irresponsible and revealed the widespread action would cost the national economy half a billion pounds. Union members will gather at more than 20 events across the south east in protest at Government ministers’ proposals to cut pensions rights. They complain their members will have to pay more and work longer for a lower pension.

The two main events in the region will take place in Southampton and Oxford. Up to 10,000 union members and supporters are expected to march to a lunch-time rally in Guildhall Square, Southampton.

Hundreds will join another march from the Broadway in Winchester, heading up the High Street for a rally at Oram’s Arbour.

Phil Wood, regional secretary of Unison, which has 15,000 members striking in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said: “It will be an incredible day. So many public servants out on the streets at the same time – all arguing for the same thing.”

But the Government has said the strikes are “irresponsible,” could cost the local economy millions of pounds and lead to job losses.

The Treasury said the planned walkout will lower output in the public and private sectors with the biggest impact caused by school closures, forcing parents to work from home, make childcare arrangements, or take their children to the office.

Today, the Daily Echo looks at how the action will hit Hampshire and, over the coming days, examine the issues behind the strikes, starting with the arguments for and against the action in tomorrow’s Review.

What will be affected?

Click the links below to see how the industrial action will impact upon life in Hampshire.

A list of schools that will be closed is also available.


• Schools
• Coastguard
• Councils
• Hospitals
• Police & Fire
• Courts and Prisons
• Health services
• Job Centre & Tax Offices
• Driving Test Centres