World's First Parent Strike
Thursday 27th August 10am
World's First Parent Strike Thursday 27th August 10am
Join Dads Rock and families across the nation for the World's First parent Strike
Thursday 27th August 10am
Edinburgh: Scottish Parliament building - Glasgow: Wellington Statue
families across the UK are taking a stand – and we’re joining them.
On Thursday 27th August, Dads Rock will be gathering outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh and at the Wellington Stature in Glasgow in support of the Dad Strike – the world’s first national protest calling for better paternity leave and pay.
What’s the parent Strike?
Parents across the country are downing tools on 27th August to demand proper paternity leave and real flexible working rights. We're striking in 13 places and counting.
Organised by Mother Pukka and 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?
Becoming a parent is the best thing most of us will ever do — but the UK is failing parents.
We have the worst paternity leave in Europe: two weeks, paid at less than half the minimum wage. We're denied the flexible working that would make juggling work and childcare actually possible. And most of us are worse off on two incomes than our grandparents were on one.
On 27th August, we'll all book a couple of hours off work and join family-friendly demonstrations, with two demands: flexible working by default, and at least six weeks' paternity leave at 90% pay, including for the self-employed.
How can you get involved?
Come and stand with us!
📍 Where?
Edinburgh - Outside the Scottish Parliament Building in Edinburgh
Glasgow - At the Wellington Statue
🕒 When? Thursday 27th August 10am
👶 Who? Dads, mums, babies, grandparents, and allies – everyone’s welcome!
Whether you're a new parent, 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://www.parentstrike.org/
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