Public and Commercial Services Union

About 250,000 PCS members were on strike on 30 June in defence of their pensions, jobs and pay.

Live updates from the day have been posted on this page. Scroll to the bottom to see earlier posts.

We were also tweeting throughout the day with updates from picket lines, marches, rallies and other key events, using the hashtags #30june and #j30.

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Live strike blog

 

16.50 - Well that's it for the day, an excellent turnout and huge thanks to you all for your updates, messages of support and pics. If you have any further updates for the PCS flickr page or messages of support, please remember to email 30june@pcs.org.uk Thanks again, tremendous effort by all.

16.43 - Cyclists from Stop the Cuts York toured picket lines in in the city providing pickets with free hot drinks.

16.39 - Hove town hall rally so popular speeches have had to be relayed to hundreds of people outside.

16.35 - PCS members' concerns reach the Big Apple. See the coverage in the New York Times.

16.32 - From Exeter: Great turnout for the rally, march and festival in the park!  500 could get in to the rally, but over a 100 left outside.  Even greater numbers in the park. Good public support: pats on shoulder and passers by applauding on the pavement as people marched. Estimate 80 picket lines around the region.

16.27 - Bristol: Reports of around 5,000 on the march!

16.24 - Rally figures still coming in: 2,000 people attended in Newcastle. Over 600 in Oxford where speaker after speaker called for a general strike. The Southampton Guildhall Square rally welcomed 500 plus.

16.16 - From the PCS twitter page - Solidarity to Unite members at Fujitsu, Crewe who've been striking today over victimisation of Alan Jenney. Follow us on Twitter today.

16.10 - Brighton DVLA was closed today. Only two non-members attended work. All members on strike.

16.07 - Bob Crow: "Unity and solidarity...our only defence". See more at our messages of support page.

16.04 - The PCS flickr site has images from different workplaces from around the country. Is their a pic of your workplace or local area on the site? Find out now, and if not, please send your strike day images to 30june@pcs.org.uk.

16.01 - Read our latest press release, which summarises the overwhelming success of our strike for an alternative.

15:55 - Why we're on strike - Watch the video today.

15.45 - Download The alternative - The monthly campaigns newsletter from PCS.

15.43 - New messages of support added. Please send your messages to 30june@pcs.org.uk.

15.39 - If you haven't already, hear PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka lock horns with Francis Maude on public sector pensions on the BBC today programme. And if you already have, it's worth another listen.

15.32 - Fantastic support today. Thank you and very well done, everyone.

15.27 - 64,000 people estimated to have supported the strike in HM Revenue and Customs: significantly more than our membership of 57,000.

15.22 - Taken photos from your picket line or local rally? Send your pics to us at 30june@pcs.org.uk, and they'll be added to the PCS 30 June flickr pages.

15.17 - 150 determined campaigners at the Huddersfield rally.

15.14 - Sign up for our campaigns newsletter and text alerts to keep up to date with the latest from our campaign against the cuts.

15.00 - MoD Corsham: Great response from military, contractors and Prospect members. One of the contract staff even came out armed with bacon rolls for all the pickets.

14.58 - Mark Serwotka: The best education my kids can get is to the dignity and passion teachers have for their profession.

14.57 - Get the latest from PCS on Twitter. Follow us today.  

14.52 - Mark Serwotka receives a standing ovation before his speech to a packed central London rally.

14.50 - Public sector workers on strike in Hillingdon as reported in the Uxbridge Gazette.

14.46 - Severe disruption at courts in south west. Cases cancelled in Southampton, Poole, Weymouth, Exeter, Plymouth, Bristol, and Weston super mere.

14.38 - DWP North Staffordshire: fantastic support from Communication Workers' Union workers and North Staffordshire Trades Council. Interviews with three local radio stations, local newspaper and members appeared on Midlands Today. "Best of all was the support from the public who beeped their horns, wished us well and signed a petition to say they supported the strike." 

14.35 - 3,500 at public sector protest march in Brighton and Hove.

14.28 - Take a look at some fantastic photos of the day at the Metro newspaper site.

14.24 - Birmingham - Flickr Photostream with rolling coverage of Birmingham pickets, protests, march and rally.

14.20 - Taken photos from your picket line or local rally? Send your pics to us at 30june@pcs.org.uk, and they'll be added to the PCS 30 June flickr pages. 

14.11 - Support our campaigns by completing an 'e-action' and emailing your MP directly today. It's quick and easy.

14.06 - There is an alternative. Share our leaflet with friends, family and colleagues.

13.58 - New messages of support added. Please send your messages to 30june@pcs.org.uk.

13.57 - Striker in Manchester says there are 5,000 on the solidarity march!

13.54 - Check out PCS members' strike day photos on flickr. Send yours to us at 30june@pcs.org.uk

13.48 - People who are there say the march in London is a mile long!

13.48 - PCS sends solidarity to Loyds Bank workers fighting for jobs. Unity between public and private sector workers.

13.43 - "Significant disruption" to HM Revenue and Customs call centres, with a recorded message asking people to call back next TUESDAY. A number of enquiry centres are closed completely in northern England and Scotland.

13.41 - Our campaign for a fair pension features on Al Jazeera, the English language version of the Arabic news website.

13.38 - Get the latest from PCS on Twitter. Follow us today.  

13.26 - Tell us about your rallies and marches by texting 07624 806 232.

13.20 - Hear why members in Newcastle are on strike at the BBC website.

13.14 - United Kingdom Hydrographic Office: Jeremy Browne MP, minister in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, arrived on a visit and was met by PCS placards.

13.10 - The Independent: Best supported strike under way   

13.06 - Why are we striking? Cathryn, 28, earns £19,098 a year. She has paid into her pension for six years - under the governemnt's proposals she will have to pay an extra £47.75 a month. Find out how much more you will have to pay.

13.02 - Croydon Guardian reports our campaign. Is the strike mentioned in your local media? Text us details at 07624 806 232.

12.54 - Have you signed up for our campaigns newsletter? If not, sign up today.

12.53 - From the Southampton Guildhall Square rally - 500 plus in attendance including UCU, ATL, NUT, UNISON, UNITE and PCS members.

12.52 - From Liverpool HMRC branch - Approx 30 reps and members on rally and march. Public support on route was fantastic.

12.51 - View messages of support from PCS Scotland.

12.49 - Peter Lockhart from PCS will be on LBC radio at 1.15pm

12.47 - Why we're on strike - Watch the video today.

12.44 - Thank you to all of you who have texted us your strike stories or emailed us your support and images. If you haven't already done so, please text (07624 806 232) or email us (30june@pcs.org.uk) and let us know what's happening.

12.42 - From East Kilbride Revenue and Customs - The Glasgow rally in George Square has up to 1,000 at it including supporters from many other unions and the public

12.40 - New messages of support added. Please send your messages to 30june@pcs.org.uk.

12.36 - From Ealing HMRC office - Good turnout, less than half of staff in. Skeleton staff at Ealing Magistrates and Ealing Job Centre too.

12.34 - Messages of support on the National Union of Journalists' website.

12.33 - More photos added to the PCS 30 June flickr pages. Send your pics to us at 30june@pcs.org.uk

12.31 - Tell Dave you back PCS - Email the prime minister today - it's free and easy.

12.28 - From @MichyFly_J on Twitter 'Our rally has brought Liverpool city centre to a standstill. Get in!!!' Get the latest from PCS on Twitter, follow us today.

12.26 - Disruption at British Library caused by todays action.

12.25 - Nick McCarthy from PCS is on BBC World Service just after 1pm UK time.

12.24 - View our messages of support for todays action and please send your messages to 30june@pcs.org.uk.

12.22 - Public sector strike has huge impact - Read our press release.

12.20 - Not a member? See how much you will lose on your pension with the PCS pensions calculator and then join today.

12.16 - Oxford combined courts have 90% out with only 2 out of 5 courts running.

12.15 - 90% out at Reading crown court, with only 3 out of 8 courts running. 90% out at reading county courts too.

12.14 - 30,000 PCS members are striking in Scotland today. Are you one of them? Text us what's happening at 07624 806 232.

12.13 - Please send messages of support for PCS to 30june@pcs.org.uk. Thanks.

12.11 - 70 to 80 marches and rallies are taking place accross the country. Are you taking part? If so, let us know what's happening, text us at 07624 806 232

12.09 - Why are you striking? Text 07624 806 232

12.07 - Get the latest from PCS on Twitter. Follow us today.  

12.00 - From Bargoed Job centre, south Wales - 100% of PCS members on strike.

11.59 - Taken photos from your picket line or local rally? Send your pics to us at 30june@pcs.org.uk, and they'll be added to the PCS 30 June flickr pages. 

11.57 - From London passport Office - Office heavily affected. Great turnout. Senior managers drafted in to break strike.

11.56 - Haywards Heath County Court closed due to industrial action

11.54 - From Leicester Crown Court - Only 1 Court out of 6 running. Picket line at Magistrates Court for first time. Good support from public

11.52 - From Jarrow jobcentre - Strike very well supported, handful of managers at work. The Shields gazette has covered the strike this morning too.

11.50 - Met Police Commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson, tells BBC 90% of police staff who handle public calls are on strike.

11.48 - From Criminal Records Bureau Liverpool - To quote The Specials " this town is becoming like a ghost town". More staff on the picket line than in the building so far.

11.46 - Department for Work and Pensions Preston Central Branch - Very good support 90% out, pity about heavy showers but spirits high!

11.44 - Massive support reported at Child Support Agency Birkenhead. 95% out. Biggest of any dispute. Fantastic!

11.42 - Sign up for our campaigns newsletter and text alerts to keep up to date with the latest from our campaign against the cuts.

11.37 - There is an alternative. Share our leaflet with friends, family and colleagues.

11.33 - Send your strike day pics to us at 30june@pcs.org.uk, and they'll be added to the PCS flickr pages. 

11.25 - Not a member of the union? Join PCS today.

11.23 - Solidarity to everyone demonstrating in Leeds where we're told it's pouring with rain. What's the weather like elsewhere? Text us and let us know 07624 806 232.

11.20 - PCS Stockton branch reports that across 5 sites 97.82% of union members are on strike.

11.17 - Solidarity to all ATL members on strike today - fighting for decent pensions http://t.co/nRQnENT

11.13 - Hear PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka lock horns with Francis Maude on public sector pensions at http://bbc.in/mAlqcP

11.10 - Worcester Jobcentre plus: Beautiful sunshine on the picket line. What's the weather like where you are? Text your impressions of the day to 07624 806 232. 

11.07 - Excellent turnout in Forth Valley & Dunbarton. Pickets at five out eight offices. "Best action for years!"

11.04 - Uxbridge Magistrates court: Three courts out of five reported closed.

11.01 - Macclesfield county court: strike so well supported a manager has been drafted in from Chester to staff it and keep it open.

10.59 - Westminster magistrates, all trial courts closed. 10 trials disrupted.

10.57 - Ofsted/TDA/Highways Agency in Manchester: 20 pickets, media coverage from Manchester Evening News and BBC Radio Manchester. 

10.55 - Tilbury Dock: 80+ people on picket line. No members in.

10.52 - Across the UK rallies and marches have started to support strikes. Find your nearest - http://t.co/AWkhkRD

10.50 - South Humber Crown House(CCD) post turned away.

10.47 - Poole Magistrates, Dorset: Constant car horn support from the public: "Great strike day!"

10.44 - Strike so well supported at Camberwell Green Jobcentre plus it has had to draft in district managers to keep the office open 

10.41 - Apparantly Middlesbrough jobcentre is turning away customers due to lack of staff.

10.38 - Haywards Heath HM Courts Service: "Lots of support from passers by hooting horns and thumbs up."

10.37 - DVLA Lincoln: restricted service at the counter.

10.32 - Defence Sector, Bacchus House, help desk closed.

10.26 - Check out PCS members' strike day photos on flickr. Send yours to us at 30june@pcs.org.uk

10.22 - A woman has just handed pickets a box of chocolates at Jobcentre Plus Newcastle. Says she works for the NHS and thanks PCS members for going on strike.

10.20 - All national museums in Wales closed to the public.

10.18 - Strike lead story on BBC website.

10.14 - HMRC south Wales Llanishen: Contact centre phone line message: "Due to industrial action please call back at another time."

10.10 - Mark Serwotka trending on Twitter.

10.07 - Not a PCS member? Join today.

10.03 - Charity Commission national helpline closed due to strike action.

9.54 - 90% support at Trinity Bridge and Albert Bridge house in Salford. Arc members supplying tea and coffee.

9.53 - PCS at Heathrow report 70% of border agency staff on strike. Some passengers being bumped to tomorrow.

9.49 - Early reports suggest 85% of HM Revenue and Customs staff are not in work today.

9.48 - Leith Jobcentre welcomes support from UK Uncut. As of 8.45 the office had not opened.

9.46 - High Riggs jobcentre: only one manager at work. Support and demo from Unemployed Workers group. Members of the public taking time to stop and show support too.

9.42 - North east valuation office: 32 out of 35 members on strike. "Best turnout we've had in years!"

9.41 - Tell us about your marches and rallies. Text 07624 806 232.

9.40 - Support from local governemnt union, Unison. General secretary Dave Prentis: "While UNISON members are not taking action over pensions today, we stand shoulder to shoulder with members of PCS, NUT and ATL – their fight is our fight."

9.37 - Get the latest from PCS on Twitter. Follow us today.  

9.33 - Only 30 workers in work at Home Office, Liverpool, out of 500. 

9.31 - Cabinet Office reports strongest picket line in five years.

9.28 - A huge welcome to 178 new members in DVLA Swansea. Fantastic news!

9.23 - Congratulations to Chrissy Sanders, 2,500th PCS Facebook member. Join the group today.

9.21 - Check out PCS members' strike day photos on flickr. Send yours to us at 30june@pcs.org.uk

9.19 - Why are people striking? John, 25, whose salary is £17,330, will have to pay an extra £43.44 a month into his pension and stands to lose £155,796 in total over 20 years' retirement.

9.18 - BBC Wales Radio been on picket lines since 6:30am interviewing pickets.

9.17 - PCS at Southend HMRC say 1,400 on strike in that office alone.

9.14 - Stratford Magistrates Court - most staff on strike, including ushers and admin workers. Only four legal advisers in, including two managers.

9.12 - Get the latest from PCS on Twitter. Follow us today.   

9.08 - Hove Jobcentre plus, strong picket, just turned back post van.

9.00 - 2,499 Facebook members. Will you be 2,500? Join today.

8.56 - Message of support: Carl Webb, regional secretary of the CWU: "We are fully supportive of your action as it was not your members that caused the recession. It is totally unacceptable to expect public sector workers to work longer and pay more for much less pension in retirement to help pay of a deficit created by millionaire bankers who continue to receive massive bonuses and pensions."

8.50 - Check out media coverage: The Guardian: Public sector workers to start mass strike over pensions.

8.45 - Desperate DWP west London managers asking workers with kids to take special leave rather than strike - to try to keep official numbers down.

8.39 - Wavertree job centre closed due to industrial action. All 36 PCS members striking.

8.34 - Free breakfasts...and fancy dress at Oxford Job centre, thanks to 20 or so union supporters. What support have you had? Text us at 07624 806 232.

8.31 - Follow students live-reporting of the strike.

8.25 - A huge thank you to the First Division Association member who donated £130 (a day's pay) to our hardship fund. Much appreciated.

8.23 - What's happening where you are? Text us at 07624 806 232.

8.20 - Good picket at HMP Exeter. Prison officers wearing stickers and joining rally later.

8.16 - Solidarity to Birmingham council workers striking today over cuts

8.14 - 1,200 leaflets supporting the strike handed out by trades unionists in Southwark, London last night

8.10 - PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka coming up on Radio Five Live and the Today programme talking about the strike

8.06 - Post just turned away at Royal Courts of Justice

8.04 - HMRC Harwich reports nearly 90% on strike. Interview with BBC Essex for local radio and Look East news.

8.00 - Check out the ad in today's Metro (page 40 in London) and send a message to David Cameron.

7.55 - Postal deliveries cancelled at Aberdeen HMRC - thanks for support. 

7.51 - Message of support from Ian Gallagher, Secretary, Blackburn and District Trades Union Council: "Just because private sector employers have cut pension provision for their employees there is no reason for there to be cuts in the public sector as well."

7.40 - Why are you striking? Text 07624 806 232

7.32 - MoD Corsham, Wiltshire report taking laptops on the picket line to calculate people's pension losses. Check out yours here.

7.27 - Look out for Dave the Dalek on the Skills Funding Agency picket line in Nuneaton 

7.24 - Listen to PCS's director of communications, Nick McCarthy, speaking on Talk Sport radio at 7.35.

7.22 - Caroline Lucas MP, leader of the Green Party and her staff pledge not to cross picket lines. Is your local MP supporting? Text 07624 806 232

7.10 - Exhibition about striking postponed because of strike action.