Dear Common Dreams Readers:
Across UK, Marchers Demand an Economy That Works for All
Demonstrations in London, Glasgow, Belfast issue message that it's time for an end to austerity
A sign held at a 'Britain Needs a Pay Rise' demonstration Saturday. (Photo: Beth Granter/flickr/cc)
Tens of thousands of people marched in the UK on Saturday to say Britain Needs a Pay Rise and demand an economy that works for all.
Marches organized by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) took place in London, Belfast and Glasgow.
TUC says that the touted economic recovery is nowhere to be seen for everyday households; rather, TUC says, regular workers have been hit with their seventh consecutive year of real wage cuts.
"Our message is that after the longest and deepest pay squeeze in recorded history, it’s time to end the lock-out that has kept the vast majority from sharing in the economic recovery," stated TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady
"If politicians wonder why so many feel excluded from the democratic process, they should start with bread and butter living standards," she said.
"An economy that finds money for tax cuts for the rich and boardroom greed, while the rest face a pay squeeze and big cuts to the welfare system –that any of us might need – is no longer working for the many," she continued.
See more statements and photos from the events on Twitter: