Public services, taxes, low wages and the spread of privatisation were among the concerns of protesters at the traditional May Day rally in Oxford yesterday (May 5).
Protesters march down High Street
Bonn Square was the rallying place for a public protest by scores of public sector workers.
They later marched with their banners held aloft down High Street, through St Clement's to South Park.
Trade unions, Marxists, anti-war protesters, campaigners against Campsfield Detention Centre in Kidlington and supporters of the No Sweat campaign against poorly paid 'sweat shop' labour took part in the event.
It was organised by Oxford and District Trades' Council Union, whose vice-president, Mark Sandell, was one of several speakers. Mr Sandell said: "We are concerned by the privatisation of public services, particularly the Private Finance Initiatives being used at our hospitals, and want to make it clear we won't just sit back without giving workers the chance to have their say.
"Workers are also tired of the way they are treated and the peanuts they get paid."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article