Council has refused to engage in talks since July and is ignoring Unite’s calls to restart them

Nearly 6,000 households in Birmingham displaying posters or bin stickers in support of striking refuse workers are backing the call for the council to rejoin negotiations.

More than 150 businesses, faith groups and community groups have also pledged support to Unite’s campaign calling for the council to enter new talks.

Unite wrote to council leader John Cotton at the beginning of November, calling for fresh negotiations on ending the bin strike but has not received a response.

The bin workers began indefinite strike action eight months ago today.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The people of Birmingham are fed up with the council’s refusal to enter negotiations to end the bin strikes. The council is wasting millions of pounds fighting a dispute that could be resolved fairly for a fraction of the cost.

“Meanwhile residents continue to suffer and recycling rates are at rock bottom. Unite stands ready to begin talks with the council at any time to find a fair deal for Birmingham’s bin workers. That is the only way that strikes will end.”

Unite organisers have knocked on 15,181 doors in 141 residential streets in 17 council wards to ask residents to support the bin worker campaign by displaying a bin sticker and/or a window poster.

In total, Unite has spoken to 6,366 residents, with 90.3 per cent (5,746) displaying a bin sticker or poster.

Amongst the 155 businesses, community groups and faith groups to pledge support are the Central Jamia Mosque Ghamkol Sharif, Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Pentecostal City Mission Church and Acocks Green Boxing Gym.

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.