Bin workers overwhelmingly reject council

Birmingham bin workers have today (April 14) overwhelmingly rejected a partial offer from council, branding it ‘totally inadequate’.

Hundreds of refuse workers, members of Unite, voted overwhelmingly to reject the deal, which still includes substantial pay cuts for workers. The offer also did not address potential pay cuts for 200 drivers.

The industrial dispute escalated into all strike action which has now been taking place since early March. 

As piles of rubbish continue to build up in the streets of the second city, Unite has called on the government to take the issue seriously and get involved in negotiations to bring the dispute to a negotiated solution. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “For weeks, these workers have faced attacks from government and their employer pushing the lie that only a handful of workers are affected by the council’s plans to cut pay by up to £8,000.

“Instead of peddling untruths about these low paid workers and focusing on winning a media war, the government should have taken the time to check facts and used its office to bring the council to the table in a meaningful way. 

“The rejection of the offer is no surprise as these workers simply cannot afford to take pay cuts of this magnitude to pay the price for bad decision after bad decision.

“From the start, the council has constantly moved the goalposts for these workers, prolonging the strikes in the process. First it was equal pay, then it was about improving the waste service, then cost cutting. The list goes on.

“Unite has set out simple and reasonable steps to the council to resolve these issues. It is important to remember that this dispute is not about a pay rise, it is about preventing serious pay cuts.

“The government must now call a meeting with the stakeholders to ensure these steps are taken to bring the strike to an end.

“The government must now also urgently consider Unite’s proposal for debt restructure at Birmingham City Council and other local authorities. Workers and communities cannot continue to pay the price.”

Tomorrow morning Unite will be delivering a petition to Birmingham City Council, calling on Leader of Birmingham City Council, John Cotton and Head Commissioner, Max Caller to listen to refuse workers, and bring an end to this long running dispute.

By Keith Hatch