Over 350 bin workers in Birmingham are set to begin extensive strike action starting early next year after the city council refused to reverse or delay proposed pay cuts.
The dispute, spearheaded by Unite, the UK’s leading union, stems from the council’s decision to eliminate the safety-critical Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) role.
Approximately 150 workers are directly affected by the council’s decision, facing an annual loss of up to £8,000. Additionally, the proposed cuts could lead to reduced future pension payments. Many of the impacted employees have dedicated decades of service to the council, making the pay reductions particularly contentious.
Negotiations between Unite and the council collapsed on Tuesday when the local authority unexpectedly declined to postpone the implementation of the pay cuts. The council also refused to wait for the completion of its own job evaluation process for the loader role, which is scheduled to conclude in February.
Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite, expressed strong opposition to the council’s actions. “Unite is not prepared to see its workers face a huge pay cut, nor will it allow the council to recklessly cut safety-critical roles which risks the safety of workers and the general public,” Graham stated. She emphasized the union’s commitment to protecting both the pay and safety of its members, adding, “We will leave no stone unturned in resolving this dispute.”
The planned strike dates are as follows: January: 6, 14, 22, 30, February: 7, 10, 18, 26, March: 6, 14, 25, April: 2
The strikes are expected to disrupt waste collection services across Birmingham, highlighting the ongoing tensions between municipal authorities and public service workers over budget cuts and job security.