WOMEN across Scotland will gather in Glasgow in protest over state pension inequality and the change in pension age for those born in the 50s.
The march, organised by WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality), will take place on Friday September 16 starting at Shuttle Street in the city centre at midday, continuing down Ingram Street and finishing at George Square.
The group said it has the support of many politicians including SNP’s MPs Margaret Ferrier, Angela Crawley, Patrick Grady, Ivan McKee, Dr Lisa Cameron and Labour’s Pauline McNeill, as well as Green MSP Patrick Harvie.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told the group in a statement: “I very much support the aims of your campaign. While the SNP agrees with pension equalisation we can’t support the deeply unfair manner in which changes have been made. Many thousands of women who have worked hard and contributed to the economy stand to lose out financially.
“The UK Government must make transitional arrangements for women who, through no fault of their own, are seeing their retirement plans put in jeopardy as a consequence of political decisions. You can be assured that SNP MPs at Westminster will continue to support your aims, as will I.”
Over a quarter of a million Scottish women are affected from the 59 Scottish constituencies.
Ferrier said: “The WASPI women cannot be dismissed by the Tories – they have paid into the system their whole lives, and deserve to be treated with fairness. My constituency has the highest number of women affected by these changes in Scotland, and the WASPI campaign has my total support.
“These women deserve to have the situation reviewed and for fair transitional arrangements to be put in place. “I will stand shoulder to shoulder with the WASPI women as they take their protest to the streets in Glasgow, and across the UK.”
Anne Potter, co-coordinator for WASPI Glasgow and Lanarkshire added: “The treatment of these women is nothing short of a disgrace. We are asking all women born after 5th April 1951 to join us in our cause. Tell your friends and family. We need your help to keep the pressure on the government. We are loud and proud. We will not be forgotten.”
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