Schools, libraries and council offices were closed across the UK.  Refuse collections, transport services and police and fire services were also hit in the largest mass action since the General Strike of 1926.

Support for the strike was solid across the country as care workers, teaching assistants, refuse collectors, librarians and school meals workers picketed  workplaces and held rallies to express their anger at government plans to make then work longer or have their pensions cut.

"This dispute is about fairness, its about equal treatment" said UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis, in a speech to a joint rally of 12 public sector unions in central London.  Over a million public service workers went on strike with a burning resentment at the LGA and the Government and the unjust attack on pensions.

Members went on strike as a last resort.  Dave Prentis said "There is an anger I have never witnessed before.  People are angry that they have been treated like second class citizens.  Angry that they have been ignored by  the government.  Angry that they are being denied the same protection as every other public sector worker".

"It is right that other public sector workers have had their pensions protected. But it is good enough for civil servants, teachers, doctors consultants and lecturers then it is good enough for our members in local government".

"Mandarins protected in Whitehall but not cleaners in the town hall.  Teachers protected but not teaching assistants.  Lecturers but not technicians.  GPs and consultants protected but not social workers and home carers.  It is unjust, its unfair"

"Dinner ladies, road sweepers, librarians, cleaners and caretakers, care assistants, teaching assistants.  People who spend their lives helping people, have been forced into action.  Angry that we are dealing with employers and a government that no longer cares for us".

Prentis called on the government to "look them in the eye and tell them why they are not good enough for protection but doctors and consultants are".

"Tell them why they should have their pension cut, the pension they have paid 6% of their salary into, week in and week out.  Why the average pension of £31 a week paid to women will now be even less!