Amongst the Picket lines were those at Shire Hall on Castle Hill (local Government offices), Mandela House (Housing Benefits, Environmental Health), Anglia Ruskin University, and Road Sweepers and Refuse Collectors from Mill Road Depot who didn't collect rubbish today and picketed the depot gates from 6:00am until 9:30am.

There was also a picket line at Parkside Police Station by support staff from there.

This was part of a concerted national day of industrial action in protest at support staff in the public sector being told they cannot retire until they are 65, as opposed to staff in other public sectors, whom have a retirement age of 60.

These actions also coincided with a general strike in France, also about government imposed repealment of employment rights there for younger workers, allegedly to lower unemployment rates.

Several local schools were affected by today's action, including The Manor Community College, Chesteron Community College and Impington Community College.

The overall atmosphere wherever I went was one of friendliness and cameraderie, only marred slightly by the odd haranging from less sympathetic workers or passersby, although they seemed to be in the minority, with many motorists honking their horns as they went past the ARU picket line on East Road.

There was also a very strong wind, which made steel signs walk across pavements wherever it blew!!

You can find out more about today's events from here:

 http://www.unison.org.uk/pensions/photogallery.asp

 http://www.gmb.org.uk/

Also, if anyone out there has their own stories or pictures of the day to add, please do so!