Striking Birmingham refuse collectors to be balloted

Refuse workers involved in a long-running dispute over pay and jobs are to vote on a “partial deal” aimed at ending an all-out strike.

Members of Unite in Birmingham walked out on March 11, leading to rubbish piling up in the streets and warnings of a public health emergency.

The union is campaigning against plans to cut a post from the city’s refuse and recycling service which it says will lead to hundreds of its members having their pay cut by up to £8,000-a-year.

The council disputes the figures, saying only 17 workers will be affected, losing far less than Unite is claiming.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner visited the city last week and urged Unite to accept an improved offer.

Unite said there will be a ballot held by close of play on Monday.

General secretary Sharon Graham said: “Whilst it is helpful that the Government finally realised after weeks that they have a role in this dispute, the constant attacks and briefings against these low-paid bin workers is frankly a disgrace.

“It is important to reiterate the truth, as opposed to the lies being peddled in an attempt to distract.

“This dispute is not about greed, or increased pay. This dispute is about workers losing up to £8,000 of their pay – which for some is almost a quarter.

“Whilst after many weeks there has now been a partial deal on pay protection for a few, it still leaves these workers worrying about how they are going to pay their mortgages and rent payments in a few months’ time.

“For the drivers, they are still unaware what their drop in pay will be but the council have mooted that this could also be around £8,000.

“Of course, these workers are in the driving seat around what they wish to accept. Indeed, there is another ballot happening by close of play on Monday. Unite backs these workers 100%.

“Rather than vilifying their low paid employees, the council should look seriously at the KC-approved offer that Unite has put forward, which deals with the issues and gives these workers and their families dignity and security.

“A notable point was made by one of our members, which Unite believes sums up where we are with this council and could be with others: ‘The council are saying that we should share the pain but not one councillor, including the leader of the council, has been asked to give up a quarter of their pay. We thought when Labour came in they would stop what was happening, we were wrong.’”

Ms Rayner, who is also the Communities Secretary, said: “We know that the council has been engaged in consultation, and discussion, and negotiation with Unite.

“There is a significantly improved offer on the table for the workers, and I’m urging Unite to suspend their action and to accept that offer.”

The council said talks with Unite have been “productive”.

Published: 14/04/2025 by Radio NewsHub