Condemned and suspended in Birmingham bins vote

Solidarity with Unite’s Birmingham bin workers – and condemnation of Labour was discussed in emergency motion 5. The motion roundly condemned the actions of the Labour Party both locally and in government, while reaffirming Conference’s support for the refuse workers, pledging to fight on until full victory had been achieved.

If the threat of dismissal becomes a reality, the motion stated, Unite would demand the immediate removal of the commissioners and Angela Rayner. In addition, the immediate membership suspension of “Angela Rayner and all Birmingham councillors who are Unite members for bringing the union into disrepute.”

There would then follow an investigation into their behaviour and expel them from membership if the investigation arrives at that conclusion.

The emergency motion was moved by Oisin Mulholland from London and Eastern. He spoke of the brutal attacks that even a Labour council, will sink to.

He said, “This motion says that we won’t be walked over, no matter what the colour of the rosette. We need to seriously reassess our relationship with the Labour Party.

“We call for the immediate membership suspension of Angela Rayner and all the Unite Labour councillors and an investigation into their behaviour. If you act like a Tory, we’ll treat you like a Tory. Back the bin workers!” he urged.

Nancy Taaffe, London and Eastern seconded. She said, “Labour has chosen its path. By suspending the deputy leader it shows we are serious. Don’t let the Birmingham bin workers go down – this is a line in the sand.”

The motion was overwhelmingly carried.

In a press release immediately after the debate, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Unite is crystal clear it will call out bad employers regardless of the colour of their rosette. Angela Rayner has had every opportunity to intervene and resolve this dispute but has instead backed a rogue council that has peddled lies and smeared its workers fighting huge pay cuts. 

“The disgraceful actions of the government and a so-called Labour council, is essentially fire and rehire and makes a joke of the Employment Relations Act promises. 

“People up and down the country are asking whose side is the Labour government on and coming up with the answer not workers.”

By Amanda Campbell

Photos by Mark Thomas