Birmingham Bin Workers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Pay and Role Cuts

Nearly 400 refuse workers protest council restructuring, with overflowing rubbish and pest infestations impacting over 1 million residents.

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.