Day 2: Scottish Civil Servants Strike

PCS members at Holyrood have downed tools over pay and pensions and are holding a rally outside.

The 5-strong Scottish Green-Independent group of MSPs have refused to cross the picket line.

The action is supported by Scottish Green MSPs Patrick Harvie and Alison Johnstone, and Independent members John Finnie, Jean Urquhart and John Wilson.

Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, said:

"PCS members are right to protest at the ongoing freeze imposed by the Scottish Government, and can be assured of continued backing from the Scottish Greens. Finance Secretary John Swinney has the power to end this unfair treatment which simply mirrors the unnecessary austerity of the Coalition, signed up to by the Labour opposition.

"When we add in increased pension contributions, we see public sector workers providing crucial services being squeezed despite the availability of underspends and consequential funds. And we also continue to see serious pay inequality in the public sector with those at the top receiving many times more than those on the frontline."