Unite says industrial action will last ‘for as long as it takes’ after 97% of workers in latest ballot vote to continue
Birmingham is facing a potential extension of its ongoing bin strike, which could last until December, after nearly 400 workers voted overwhelmingly to continue their industrial action. In a recent ballot conducted by Unite, the trade union representing the striking workers, 97% of participants voted in favour of further strikes, with a 75% turnout. This decision marks a significant escalation in the dispute, which has already seen piles of uncollected waste accumulating on the streets and an influx of rats in some areas of the city.
Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, expressed the union’s determination to support the workers, stating, “Unite will not allow these workers to be financially ruined. The strikes will continue for as long as it takes. Unite calls on the decision makers to let common sense prevail in upcoming negotiations.” The union has accused the city council of failing to offer a fair and reasonable deal, despite ongoing mediated negotiations.
The bin workers in Birmingham have been on strike since January, with an indefinite walkout beginning in March over proposed job and pay cuts. The situation has led to significant disruptions in waste collection services, with overflowing wheelie bins and piles of black bags becoming a common sight on the streets. Residents have been forced to queue for hours at mobile waste collection points to dispose of their rubbish, leading to overcrowding and even police intervention to manage the situation.
The city council made a renewed offer to the workers last week after mediated negotiations, but Unite dismissed it as inadequate. Graham criticised the council for its handling of the situation, saying, “After smearing these workers in public since January and telling them to accept a fair and reasonable offer that never existed, the council finally put a proposal in writing last week. True to form, the proposal came weeks late and was not in line with the ballpark offer discussed during Acas talks in May.”
She further accused government commissioners, who were brought in to oversee the council after it declared itself effectively bankrupt in 2023, of watering down the deal despite not participating in the negotiations. This has led to a further deterioration in relations between the striking workers and the council.
In recent weeks, the council obtained a court order to prevent waste vehicles from being blocked by picket lines. It reported that over 12,000 tonnes of uncollected waste accumulated on the streets in one week in May due to disruptions caused by the industrial action. The council has maintained that the actions of the pickets have led to these disruptions, although Unite has insisted that its members have acted lawfully and peacefully.
The union has highlighted the financial impact of the proposed changes on the workers, stating that 170 former waste recycling and collection officers (WRCOs) and 200 drivers could lose up to £8,000 a year under the council’s current proposals. However, the council has disputed these figures, claiming that only 17 former WRCOs could lose a maximum of £6,000 and that all have been offered alternative roles on the same pay grade.
A council spokesperson reiterated the council’s commitment to resolving the dispute, saying, “This is a service that needs to be transformed to one that citizens of Birmingham deserve and the council remains committed to resolving this dispute. We have made a fair and reasonable offer that we have asked Unite to put to their members and we are awaiting their response.” The council denied that its leader or the commissioners had watered down any offer and stated that Unite’s ballot was not a response to its latest offer made through Acas.
As the strike continues, the city faces mounting challenges in managing its waste collection services. The ongoing dispute has not only affected the cleanliness and hygiene of the city but has also had a significant impact on the daily lives of Birmingham’s residents. With the prospect of the strike extending into December, the need for a resolution becomes increasingly urgent.
The situation in Birmingham highlights the complexities of labour disputes and the challenges faced by both workers and local authorities in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. As the strike enters its next phase, the hope remains that common sense and constructive dialogue will prevail, leading to a resolution that addresses the concerns of both parties and restores essential services to the city.
