Overview
- The workers are employed by Job & Talent on the city’s refuse contract and will be eligible to join official picket lines alongside council staff.
- Unite describes the vote as a significant escalation and alleges bullying, harassment and unsustainable workloads for agency crews.
- Birmingham City Council rejects claims of a toxic culture and says agency staff have been vital to maintaining collections during the dispute.
- The council says contingency plans remain in place, reporting more than 100,000 tonnes of kerbside waste collected over six months and aiming to maintain at least one weekly pickup.
- Hundreds of Unite members have been on all‑out strike since March over pay and jobs, with the union claiming government‑appointed commissioners blocked a deal and the council issuing formal denials.