World's First Dad Strike
Wed 11th June-3pm
World's First Dad Strike Wed 11th June-3pm
Join Dads Rock at the Scottish Parliament for the World's First Dad Strike
Wednesday 11 June, 3pm
Dads across the UK are taking a stand – and we’re joining them.
On Wednesday 11 June at 3pm, Dads Rock will be gathering outside the Scottish Parliament in support of the Dad Strike – the world’s first national protest calling for better paternity leave and pay.
What’s the Dad Strike?
Organised by The Dad Shift, the Dad Strike is a powerful new movement demanding that the UK government improve paternity leave – which is currently the worst in Europe. Right now, statutory paternity leave offers just two weeks off, paid at less than half the minimum wage. That’s not good enough.
This system affects everyone – mums, dads, children, and society. It forces dads to choose between being there for their new families or making ends meet.
What are we asking for?
The Dad Strike is calling for paternity leave that is:
Substantial – Enough time for dads to bond with their children and support their partners without taking leave away from mums.
Affordable – Paid at a rate that doesn’t punish low- or middle-income families.
Equal – Giving both parents the choice to shape their family life without outdated gender roles.
Why does this matter?
Research from The Dad Shift found that due to poor paternity pay, many dads can’t afford to take time off. As a result, dads spend 57% fewer hours with their babies in the first year than mums do. That’s not because they don’t want to – it’s because the system makes it nearly impossible.
Thomas Lynch said: “Dads always tell us that paternity leave is not enough. From the day our kids arrive, most fathers are forced to make an impossible choice – between providing for our families and giving them what matters most: our presence.”
How can you get involved?
Come and stand with us!
📍 Where? Outside the Scottish Parliament Building in Edinbirgh
🕒 When? Wednesday 11 June, 3pm
👶 Who? Dads, babies, families, and allies – everyone’s welcome!
Whether you're a new dad, expecting, or just passionate about parental equality, your voice matters. The more of us who show up, the louder we’ll be heard.
Let us know if you’re coming or want to support – and make sure to spread the word. Let’s make history together. #DadStrike #PaternityPayMatters
Sign up here: https://action.thedadshift.org/a/dadstrike
DadStrike FAQ
What is it?
On 11th June, dads and non-birthing parents will take a few hours off to “Picket or pickup” and call for better paternity leave: either join a family-friendly picket outside government buildings in London or Edinburgh, or make a point of all doing the school run on the same day.
Is it an actual strike and will I get in trouble?
No and no! You should either take the time as annual leave or get your employer’s permission. We want the DadStrike to be fun, legal and risk-free.
Are only dads welcome?
Anyone can take part in the strike! You don’t even need to be a parent. And we’d love loads of kids to be at the pickets - they’re going to be fun and family-friendly so they'll have a good time.
When and where is it?
The DadStrike is on Weds 11th June, the week of Fathers’ Day:
Edinburgh Picket: The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP
London Picket: 3 - 4.30pm, Department of Business and Trade, Westminster, SW1A 2DY
Pickup: Your kids’ school or nursery at normal pickup time
How do I join?
Signup here then join the DadStrike WhatsApp group for updates