FURTHER to my letter about teachers' pay (HAS, Apr 28) I would add that when every public sector worker faces what amounts to a pay cut it is only common sense for public sector unions to fight together.

The National Union of Teachers, the Public and Commercial Services Union and the University and College Union are showing it is possible to create a powerful, united fight-back.

That is why more than 400,000 workers were on strike last Thursday. Teachers were joined by lecturers, civil service workers and 20,000 Birmingham council workers.

And half a million Unison health workers are set to ballot on their below inflation offer soon, while 1.5 million local government workers are being consulted over their offer.

All these workers are right to tell the Government and their employers they deserve a living wage. And our unions have the power to make Gordon Brown listen to them, rather than to bankers and corporate bosses.

Last week's strikes, rallies and demonstrations were a statement of intent. We have to build on the momentum created and push for further action to stop these pay cuts, including the TUC lobby of Parliament over public sector pay on June 9 (for more info go to: www.tuc.org.uk/publicsector/tuc- 14490-f0.cfm).

Tony Dowling, Membership Secretary, Gateshead branch, National Union of Teachers.