Union asks if council decision-making hobbled by unelected commissioners

Unite, the UK’s leading union, has criticised the slow rate of negotiations over the Birmingham bin strikes and questioned if council decision making is being hobbled by unelected commissioners.

Negotiations between Unite and the council took place last Thursday and are set to take place again this Thursday (27 March). As well as pay cuts of up to £8,000 for 150 workers, the council has refused to rule out further attacks on wages and conditions for the rest of the refuse workforce, including the drivers.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The council’s public statements about wanting to end this dispute are directly at odds with its sluggish approach to negotiations.

“The lack of clear answers during talks, and the long periods between meetings make it seem like the council can’t call its own shots.

“Are the council’s decision-making abilities being hobbled by unelected commissioners? 

“If that’s the case, the council needs to be honest with its workers and the public and tell them exactly what decisions it can and cannot make without the commissioners’ permission.” 

The pay attacks on the refuse workforce, most of who barely earn above the minimum wage, are being directed by Birmingham’s commissioners.

The commissioners were handed control of the council by the previous government and are overseeing massively damaging budget reductions across the city.

Unite regional officer Zoe Mayou said: “Unite stands ready to enter intensive negotiations with the council, including with the conciliation service Acas. But this dispute will not end unless the hugely damaging cuts to refuse workers’ wages are reversed.”

ENDS  

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065. 

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.