Their banners weren't the usual ones seen at demonstrations outside Belfast City Hall. They depicted workers in struggle, not King Billy, St Patrick or loyalist or nationalist historical figures.
The placards were different too. They didn't demand the right to march, "Brits Out", or an end to Dublin rule. Instead, the message was "Sectarianism stinks", "Rail workers say no to the attacks", and "We want to teach in peace".
Thousands of workers joined their bosses and religious and political leaders for the lunch-time rally organized by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
They were protesting at recent paramilitary violence, including the murder of Catholic postal worker Daniel McColgan.
Members of his family, including his 13-month-old daughter Bethany, were present.
A bunch of lilies was tied to the railings at City Hall. It was a bitingly cold day with heavy rain and winds. Secretaries in leather mini-skirts shivered but the postal workers in their water-proof coats were well protected.
"God certainly isn't a trade unionist," said a union official, complaining of the weather. Shops and businesses in the city-centre closed for the rally but a few minutes drive elsewhere, it was business as usual.
Cafés, newsagents, bookies offices, and off-licenses, were open in Botanic and on the Ormeau and Lisburn roads.
"I'm off work for the afternoon but I don't see how standing at City Hall will bring peace," said a woman in a launderette doing her washing.
Those attending the rally struggled to find parking spaces. Some left their vehicles on double-yellow lines.
"Let's hope the traffic wardens are at the rally," said a taxi-driver.
At City Hall, the North's First and Deputy First Ministers, David Trimble and Mark Durkan, were joined by Finance Minister Seán Farren; Arts Minister Michael McGimpsey; and Education Minister Martin McGuinness.
Some Protestant workers were angered by Mr McGuinness's presence, but most taking part passed no comment. Dozens of demonstrators wore Sinn Féin badges.
The chairman of Holy Cross board of governors, Father Aidan Troy; Alliance leader David Ford; David Ervine of the Progressive Unionist Party; and former SDLP leader Gerry Fitt were among those in the crowd.
"There are all shapes and sizes, colours and opinions here today," said Mr Ervine. "We have gathered to say 'No more violence - enough is enough.' " Ulster Unionist Assembly member and junior Stormont minister Dermot Nesbitt, said he would not be giving media interviews.
"Today isn't a day for politicians to be talking. This is a day for the people," he said.
The PA system was so poor that many in the crowd couldn't hear.
"In my day, you could hear the speakers from miles away," joked veteran peace campaigner and Alliance deputy leader Eileen Bell. The sea of umbrellas meant that only taller people could see the platform.
Postal worker Mickey Craig offered to hoist his colleague Dee Watson on his shoulders so he could watch proceedings.
Bill Hayes of the Communications Workers' Union thought the turnout for the rally offered great hope for the future.
"You are the people who produce the wealth and you are the people who are going to produce the peace," he told the crowds.
"Sectarianism has no place in this beautiful country. Sectarianism is the voice of the past. Peace and prosperity is the voice of the future."
"Does that mean we're all getting pay rises?" shouted a Translink driver.