Several hundred civil servants marched on Cabinet this morning calling for Government to do more to help families struggling during the recession.The Bermuda Public Services Union demonstration went ahead despite Premier Paula Cox requesting it be postponed until she returns from a trip to the UK for the Royal Wedding.On Cabinet grounds, president Kevin Grant presented Acting Premier Michael Scott with a petition saying members “do not wish to bear the weight of further excessive Governmental spending”.It stated the union would accept a pay freeze if Government gives assurance:l there will be no compulsory redundancies;l it takes all reasonable steps to advocate a price freeze on essential products and services;l Ministers consider cutting their own salaries;l considers setting up a jobs pact;l both sides effect ways to save money.The statement read: “If the goal is to do more with less in these challenging economic times, then Government must consider partnering with Bermudian unions and local employers to find ways to accelerate the recovery of Bermuda’s economy and employment opportunities.”Attorney General Mr Scott told the crowd Government is prepared to negotiate and is already working towards the same goals as the union — except for a pay cut for Ministers, which the Premier has already ruled out.During the march from BPSU headquarters in Angle Street, civil servants chanted “We want our voice” and “Solidarity forever”.Many union members told The Royal Gazette their main concern was the high cost of living which is leaving families unable to make ends meet.One said: “Everything’s being increased in the shops and they just blame the oil prices. I don’t think that’s fair and right. Government needs to do something to make the prices lower.”Another said: “The merchants need to keep their prices down. It’s difficult now. Different items go up by one or two dollars and it all adds up, especially if you’ve got some people in the family losing their jobs.”The march took place after rallying speeches from Mr Grant, BPSU general secretary Ed Ball and vice president Jason Hayward in the BPSU car park.Mr Ball revealed Ms Cox had attempted to stave off the march, and Government initially claimed it hadn’t been given enough notice.But Mr Hayward told the crowd: “The fact Government is saying postpone the march is like saying postpone our voice.“We will do it now and when you [Ms Cox] come back, we can do it again. We will continue to speak up when we are being affected.“We are not just doing it for BPSU members and their pockets, we are doing it for Bermuda.”After the march, Mr Hayward told this newspaper: “I think we accomplished what we set out to accomplish in terms of making a statement.“Today is only phase one. There is work left to be done.”He indicated another march is on the cards after Ms Cox returns on May 12 if Government doesn’t improve its communication with the union.