Bin strikes could spread to other council areas across the country as cash-strapped local authorities make further cuts, a union leader has warned. The dispute between refuse workers and Birmingham City Council continues, with warnings of a public health emergency as bin bags pile up and rats increase.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, which represents the striking bin workers, said if other councils decide to make low-paid workers pay for bad decisions, action would be taken. Onay Kasab, the union's national lead officer, added that if other authorities cut pay of essential workers, there is potential for strike action spreading.
The Birmingham dispute, triggered by the council's decision to cut a role from bin lorry fleets to save money and prevent equal pay liability, has seen similar disputes elsewhere. In Peterborough, the GMB union is in dispute over pay for recycling and waste collection workers, with strikes 'on the table'. In Aberdeen, hundreds of workers voted to back strike action over a fire-and-rehire policy and pay freeze.
In Sheffield, some bin workers have been on strike since August over union recognition. Brighton refuse workers voted for industrial action last year following a successful strike in 2021. Last year, Unite held industrial action ballots at 23 councils after members rejected the local government pay offer.
Councils across the country face tough financial pressures, with a recent survey finding nearly two-thirds planning to reduce spending from April. There are increasing calls for ministers to intervene in the Birmingham strike. Business and trade minister Sarah Jones urged Unite to accept the deal, but union members voted overwhelmingly against the offer. Further talks are planned.
