The union blames council for bin strike stalemate as the eleventh week of industrial action disrupts rubbish collections across Birmingham. Unite has accused the city council and government-appointed commissioners of failing to deliver a promised pay offer.
While the union blames council, Unite broke its near-three-week silence, claiming that negotiations with the Labour-run council had become chaotic. General Secretary Sharon Graham said the dispute, sparked by proposed role downgrades, risks cutting worker pay by up to £8,000.
Strikes began on 11 March following intermittent walkouts in January and February. Talks mediated by Acas have continued since early May. However, Unite says no revised offer has been officially presented despite prior assurances.
With the union blaming the council for stalemate in the bin strike, Graham criticised council leader John Cotton for not attending talks. She demanded an immediate and concrete proposal to resolve the crisis. “Stop playing games, get in the room, and solve this dispute,” she said.
According to Unite, an offer was expected on 8 May but was delayed by the need for government commissioner approval. Graham argued that the council no longer holds final decision-making authority. She urged the government to step in and deliver the offer.
Birmingham City Council defended its handling of the situation. A spokesperson said it remains committed to reaching a resolution that avoids financial or legal risk. They also noted that government commissioners were fully supportive of ending the strike.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government echoed that message. A spokesperson urged Unite to suspend its strike and called on both sides to agree on a “fair and reasonable offer.”
Meanwhile, the ongoing dispute has left thousands of tonnes of rubbish on city streets. Waste collection remains severely limited, with picketing blocking most lorry deployments on Wednesday. Residents face long waits at mobile collection points and growing frustration.
At a ceremony for Birmingham’s new Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal, protesters shouted in anger over the strike. One woman yelled from the gallery, “Could you take an £8,000 pay cut?” The event was disrupted, and the public gallery was cleared.
The council has apologised for the disruption. It assured residents that missed collections will be completed as soon as possible.
Despite the union’s emphasis on the bin strike stalemate and council’s responsibility, talks remain deadlocked. Without a breakthrough, Birmingham’s waste crisis looks set to continue.
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