Survey of 900 Birmingham residents finds two thirds disagree with council’s handling of dispute

Birmingham residents would not accept pay cuts equivalent to those Birmingham council wants to impose on striking bin men, a new survey shows.

The survey of 900 Birmingham residents by Find Out Now found that 90 per cent would not accept a pay cut of up to a fifth of their wages from their employer.

More than two thirds (65 per cent) said they would go on strike if their employer tried to impose similar pay cuts on them.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “As this polling shows, the people of Birmingham understand very well why bin workers are on strike and would do the same thing in their shoes. The sheer size of the cuts the council wants to impose on the bin workers is unreasonable in anybody’s book.

“These abhorrent and unnecessary attacks on pay are causing untold damage to the reputation of Birmingham councillors and especially council leader, John Cotton. It is time he got in the room and solved this dispute.”  

When asked how they rated Birmingham council and its leader John Cotton’s handling of the dispute, two thirds of respondents rated it very bad or bad, which is a incredible vote of no confidence in the council.
Birmingham residents are also concerned about rising prices, with 68 per cent reporting concerns over the cost of living.

Faced with pay cuts like the ones Birmingham’s bin workers are fighting against 52 per cent would be in financial distress.

More than fifth (21 per cent) might lose their home, 14 per cent might have to give up their car and 30 per cent might have to give up discretionary spending, such as holidays and kids activities.

Birmingham’s bin men have been on strike since January over the council’s plans to cut wages by up to £8,000.

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.