Pensioners gearing up for the strike

Hundreds of pensioners, schoolchildren and trade union members will gather on the Town Hall steps during a climate strike on Friday.

There are strikes planned throughout the world following a call from Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg whose lone protest outside the Swedish Parliament prompted a wave of strikes calling for immediate climate action.

Islington Trades Union Council and a number of affiliated local trade union branches, including UNISON, the GMB, the NEU, the UCU and UNITE – whose members include local council workers, teachers, lecturers – are encouraging local workers and residents to join the protestors from 12pm.

Ken Muller, Islington NEU press spokesman, said: “We fully endorse Greta Thunberg when she tells us ‘This is not a single-generation job. It’s humanity’s job… Let’s all join together with our neighbours, co-workers, friends, family and go out on to the streets to make your voices heard and make this a turning point in our history.'”

“The International Panel on Climate Change has warned that we have only 12 years to keep global warming to a maximum of 1.5 degrees. We have no time to lose.”

Dozens of campaigning pensioners from Islington Pensioner’s Forum will also show their support.

Schoolchildren are scheduled to go to the protest slightly earlier at 9.45am.