Overview

• The strike was initiated after Birmingham City Council eliminated the waste collection and recycling officer role, leading to pay cuts of up to £8,000 for some workers.
• Unite the Union claims the council's use of temporary labor to replace striking workers is unlawful and has escalated industrial action indefinitely.
• The council argues the role is not safety-critical and has offered alternative positions or training to affected workers, disputing union claims about the scale of pay cuts.
• Residents across Birmingham report overflowing bins, rat infestations, and increased pest activity, with some areas like Erdington particularly hard-hit.
• Birmingham City Council, operating under financial strain since declaring bankruptcy in 2023, says the restructuring is part of efforts to create a sustainable waste collection service.