Birmingham bin workers are ramping up strikes to 12 days this month, starting tomorrow, amid disputes over job cuts and pay reductions affecting many employees.
The union, Unite, says workers will be off for 12 days this month. They also plan to strike for another 12 days next month. The council wants to cut a key job role, which workers believe is important for safety.
This job cut is linked to equal pay claims from other workers. The council thinks cutting this role will help avoid future claims. But workers fear this will lead to pay cuts of up to £8,000 for many of them.
Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, says these pay cuts are unjustified. She believes the council can’t just ignore the situation. She emphasizes that this is a critical moment for workers to stand up for their rights.
The strike days are increasing from four to twelve. Workers have already accepted some changes to their pay since 2023 due to the council’s financial issues. These changes included ending early starts and switching to a fortnightly collection.
The council has promised to stop using expensive employment agencies. However, they still haven’t hired enough staff directly. The union claims some workers have been with the council for over a decade but are still employed through agencies.
Unite’s regional officer, Zoe Mayou, says the council needs to take responsibility for the situation. She insists that the council’s treatment of its staff is unfair and doesn’t help solve the ongoing problems.
The city council has been contacted for comments. They previously stated that affected workers have been offered other jobs or retraining options.
