Council workers and Job & Talent workers more determined than ever to secure fair deal

Striking Birmingham bin workers have voted to extend their industrial action mandate past local elections in May and into September, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said today.

Council refuse workers are striking because Birmingham city council has fired and rehired both loaders (former WRCOs) and drivers onto contracts that reduce pay by up to £8,000.

Job & Talent agency refuse workers are striking over bullying, harassment and the threat of blacklisting at the council’s refuse department.

Both sets of workers have voted to extend their industrial action mandate.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members are more determined than ever to achieve a fair settlement, and they have Unite’s unwavering support. The council needs to get back around the table now because strikes will not end until we have a fair deal for Birmingham’s bin workers.”

There have been no negotiations over ending the dispute since May last year, after the council reengaged on a “ballpark deal” agreed with council chief executive Joanne Roney.

Unite remains fully open to return to negotiations to resolve the dispute, however the council refuses to even meet. Instead, the council took the decision to brutally fire and rehire the workers to force them onto lower pay rates. Meanwhile, it continues to waste millions trying unsuccessfully to break the strike.

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.