Public sector workers and trade union members took to the streets as part of a ‘March Together Strike Together’ rally in the city centre.

Starting from Manzil Way, they marched to Oxford Town Hall where speakers from across a variety of sectors addressed the crowd.

Workers from across Oxfordshire involved in disputes and many taking strike action joined the march, including nurses, ambulance workers, postal workers and rail workers.

Firefighters and members of the Fire Brigades Union are currently in the middle of balloting for strike action over their pay.

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Oxfordshire Fire Brigades Union Chair John Shuker said: "We are expecting a large number of firefighters and their families from across Oxfordshire to attend the rally this weekend, they are quite rightly angry with the current situation they find themselves in and are ready to make their voices heard.

"Many firefighters are facing hardship due to low pay. We have many members and their families who are unable to afford basics despite doing the job they do at huge risk to themselves."

Abingdon-based crew manager Duncan Smith joined the rally.

He said: "I have been in the Fire Service for over two decades and I have seen my pay drop and drop in real terms over the past decade.

"My wife is a nurse and she is also facing the same issues with low pay, both working in the public sector and in roles that were quite rightly praised for the work we did during the pandemic now being rewarded with what is in effect a pay cut with the pay offers that are being made."

Steve Godfrey is an On Call firefighter and also a postal worker who has recently taken strike action with the Communication Workers Union.

He said: "We are in a cost of living crisis, soaring energy bills and rising mortgage costs or rents and food prices, firefighters are poorly paid for the job they do and this is causing widespread and increasing difficulties in relation to the recruitment and retention of On Call firefighters.

"I am also a postie and facing attacks on my pay and conditions and I am joining the rally to stand shoulder to shoulder with all workers facing the same struggles."

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