Mass walk-out sees hundreds rally in the Black Country and Staffordshire
Rallies took place across the country as teachers and council staff took part in a mass walk out in a protest over pay, pensions and workloads.
Demonstrations were held outside council houses across the Black Country, including at Dudley and at Oldbury in Sandwell.
Some boroughs such as Sandwell managed to keep all front line services operation.
But other authorities such as Dudley were unable to maintain a normal service today as staff walked out.
While all libraries remained open in the Dudley borough, Dudley leisure centre was closed.
At least 30 schools were said to have been affected by teacher walkouts.
Mohammed Khalik, regional organiser for the GMB, said: "Our members have voted to strike overwhelmingly. They have received a one per cent pay increase in the last four years.
"It is about saying enough is enough. People are congregating outside Dudley and Sandwell Council House on picket lines today to let the Government know they want a decent living wage."
He added: "It's disappointing when you have to take industrial action but most of the public are very supportive. Pay in general is being suppressed, it's not just public sector workers."
But the walkout has been criticised by some.
Louise Adamson has two children at Fairhaven Primary School in Wordsley, which has been partially closed today.
The finance worker said: "Today has been an absolute nightmare, I have had to drop my daughter off at my mothers and take my son to school, it made me late for work, but I am one of the lucky ones who can rely on grandparents.
"I think those who have to depend on childcare or are forced to stay at home should be allowed to claim the money back.
"Some parents at Fairhaven have kept all their kids at home even if one should be school, I don't believe in this but I can see the parents' point."
