The leader of Birmingham City Council has said the end of the year-long bin strike is 'within sight' after committing to an improved offer for refuse workers. John Cotton, Labour leader of the council, stated on Monday that a new offer could be made to workers, which he hoped would 'end the strike once and for all'.
Bin workers began striking in January 2025 and stopped working completely in March over proposed pay cuts and role changes. The dispute led to the council declaring a major incident when 17,000 tonnes of uncollected rubbish accumulated across the city.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, welcomed the move as a 'vindication of the bin workers' struggle for a decent deal'. She criticised government commissioners sent to run the council after it effectively went bankrupt in 2023, accusing them of 'vindictive interference' in blocking a settlement.
Unite said the broad outline of the deal includes a two-month cushion from any salary reduction due to a job evaluation process, permanent employment for agency workers with over 12 months' service, quashing of disciplinary issues, and an end to legal action on both sides. Full details remain confidential until the council submits a detailed offer, which will be voted on by workers.
The strike stemmed from the council's decision to scrap the role of waste recycling and collection officer, claiming it could lead to equal pay claims. Unite argued the change would cost some members £8,000 a year, a figure the council disputes. The announcement comes ahead of local elections that could see a political shake-up in the Labour-run city.
