Birmingham bin strike could last until December as workers vote for further industrial action

Nearly 400 Birmingham refuse workers have voted to continue strike action in a long-running dispute over proposed pay changes by Birmingham City Council.

The industrial action, which began in January, stems from the council’s proposal to restructure pay, potentially resulting in reductions of up to £8,000 per year for some workers.

Unite the Union, which represents the workers, has described the cuts as equivalent to a quarter of some employees’ annual wages.

In a recent re-ballot, 97% of workers voted in favour of continuing strike action, with a turnout of 75 per cent. This move could see strike action extend until the end of the year.

The council presented a formal offer to workers last week following mediation efforts facilitated by Acas in May.

However, Unite has criticised the proposal, claiming it differs significantly from what was discussed during those talks.

According to the union, the latest version of the offer was altered by government-appointed commissioners and the leader of the council, who were not directly involved in negotiations.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “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. It had been watered down by the government commissioners and the leader of the council despite them never having been in the negotiations.

“It beggars belief that a Labour government and Labour council is treating these workers so disgracefully. It is hardly surprising that so many working people are asking whose side Labour is on.

“The decision makers at Birmingham council need to get in the room and put forward an acceptable offer.

“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.”

A Council spokesperson said: “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.”