Birmingham bin strike set to end after major breakthrough in long-running pay dispute
Bin strikes in Birmingham look set to end after a year-long pay dispute following a new offer between the city council and largest union Unite.
Council leader John Cotton announced an end to the long-running strike was “in sight” following progress in the bitter dispute over jobs and wages.
The dispute sparked after the council planned to abolish a role in its waste recycling and collection service and insisted it was necessary to make improvements and bring the service into line with other local authorities.
Unite said the move would lead to a pay cut of around £8,000 for hundreds of its members, a figure the council has always disputed.
Rubbish has piled up on the streets of Birmingham, leading residents to complain that it poses a health hazard. Mice described as “dachshund-sized” have also been reported, raising fears this could lead to an increase in rodent-borne diseases.
Mr Cotton said: “After months of frustration and delay, for the first time in more than 12 months, a negotiated agreement to end the bin strike is now on the horizon.
“This has been a challenging and complex process, but after months of hard work on the principles and parameters of a deal, I believe a new, improved offer can be made and the terms that address the ballpark issues discussed at Acas can be put in place.” [dispute resolution service]That Unite members could agree to end the strike once and for all.
“A deal that will be good for the workforce, provide good value for money, avoid repeating past mistakes and do not risk creating new structural equal pay obligations.
“I want our workforce to be able to get back to work and help us deliver the quality waste and recycling services the people of this city deserve. That’s why, throughout this dispute, I have resisted those who would fire striking workers rather than negotiate.
“I have instructed officers to advance negotiations so that we can bring this matter to a conclusion.”
This breakthrough was announced just a week before local council elections.
No details about the agreement were provided.
Unite representative Onay Kasab told the BBC a deal was on the table but it had to go to union members.
Last month Unite announced it was preparing to cut its relationship with Labor by more than half a million pounds over anger over its handling of the strike.
The union announced a 40 per cent reduction in its membership worth £580,000 and added that “Labour’s actions against Birmingham bin workers will not continue to be tolerated”.
Mr Cotton added: “Although the pre-election period prevents the council from making a final decision before 7 May, the re-elected Labor leadership under my leadership will work to get this deal approved as an absolute priority.
“The council can then move forward and provide the people of Birmingham with the services they deserve.
“I would also like to reiterate my absolute determination to implement the agreement reached with the unions in the council last year, which will ensure pay equity that was denied to thousands of female workers under the previous leadership.
“I would like to thank the people of Birmingham for their patience during this challenging time.
“While other parties have no plans, it is now clear that only Labor can end this dispute and deliver a bin service that works for everyone in Birmingham.”
