In the U.K., approximately 2 million public sector workers are protesting against the government's increase in the amounts they will have to pay for pensions and the increase to the retirement age. Workers include teachers, hospital staff, border guards and others. The strike will close schools and disrupt services in the health sector, the court system, employment offices, libraries and airports. Over 30 trade unions have banded together and over 1,000 demonstrations are planned. It will be the largest walkout since "The Winter of Discontent" which helped the famous leader Margaret Thatcher gain power. Government conservatives have spoken against the strike, saying that it will cause people to lose jobs and further damage the economy.The strike will last for 24 hours.