More than 100 BT and Royal Mail workers gather in Cardiff as part of biggest strike action of the year - live updates

Telecoms and postal workers from all across south Wales have gathered in Cardiff's Central Square in a protest over pay. The industrial action coincides with the first of two days of BT and Openreach strikes, and the first of 18 days of Royal Mail walkouts.

During the action senior union reps from the Communication Workers Union and other unions addressed a crowd of over 100 people, comprised mainly of striking BT and Openreach workers as well as Royal Mail staff. One speaker said: “We can’t accept it and will not accept it. The system is rigged against working people. BT, the RMT, teachers, nurses… need to work together.”

One man at the protest told WalesOnline workers were resorting to food banks, including one in the BT buildings. He said: "It's important to send a message to BT and Openreach that we won't stand by with this corporate greed and the rich getting richer. BT are increasing their prices. It's not like they're not making money they're just distributing it to the wrong people.

"We've got workers having to use food banks including ones in the BT buildings. They call it a community pantry but it's a food bank."

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The BT strikes will go ahead today and next Monday, while there will be 18 days of Royal Mail strikes through to December. Another worker said: "If BT don't come to the negotiating table there'll be more action and longer strike days. Its unacceptable that they aren't talking to the CWU, a sign of arrogance and neglect." Along with flags and banners, attendees also sported 'Show racism the red card placards' in what has been described as one of the biggest strike days of the year.

The CWU has accused Royal Mail