'Workers face a huge pay cut': Birmingham bin workers to strike in the New Year

Birmingham bin workers are to strike in the New Year in a dispute over pay.

The Unite Union has announced the city's bin workers will undertake 'extensive action' from January 2nd 2025 - with strikes due to take place from 6th January.

The dispute will involve more than 350 members of Unite.

According to the Union, it is a result of the city council’s decision to abolish the 'safety-critical' Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) role.

The Union claims 150 affected workers, many of whom have worked for decades for the council, face losing £8,000 a year, and cuts could also reduce future pension payments.

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Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said: “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.

“Unite is totally focussed on protecting the pay and safety of its members and will leave no stone unturned in resolving this dispute.”

From 2nd January, the Union said an overtime ban will be in place as well as a work-to-rule, which will mean workers adhering to official start and finish times and returning to the work yard for their 15-minute break and 30-minute lunch period. The Union said: "This will cause considerable disruption."

In addition, there will be 12 days of full strike action, with the first strike on 6th January.

Unite regional officer Zoe Mayou said: “Unite has bent over backwards to resolve this dispute but the council has negotiated in bad faith and is simply refusing to treat its workers with fairness and decency.

“The strikes, overtime ban and work to rule will cause huge disruption to refuse services throughout Birmingham but this dispute is entirely of the council’s own making. The solution to this dispute is in the council’s hands.”

In response, a Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that this action is taking place, but we are continuing to work through the dispute resolution procedure. We would like to assure residents that we will do all we can to minimise disruption during any potential industrial action.

“We thank residents for their understanding and patience during this challenging period and assure everyone that we are committed to resolving the situation in the best interest of all parties involved. Up-to-date information will be provided via our website, social media and encourage residents to sign up to bin collection newsletter.

“Ensuring the safety of our employees and residents is taken extremely seriously, and health and safety is everyone’s responsibility. We have undertaken steps to ensure Birmingham City Council colleagues affected by the change in working arrangements are supported. There are several options that are available to suit different personal circumstances, and of the 170 affected employees, over 130 have already opted for redeployment, driver training or voluntary redundancy.

"We have moved quickly to minimise this period of uncertainty for everyone. We are committed to working with our colleagues across the service for the best outcome so that we deliver a consistent and reliable service that Birmingham residents deserve.”

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