Council’s latest offer rejected by 97% of bin workers as the ongoing strike leads to mounting waste and public health concerns

A strike by bin workers in Birmingham will continue after 97% of the workforce rejected the latest pay offer from the Labour-run city council. The dispute, which has seen piles of rubbish accumulating on streets for over a month, centres on a decision by the council to remove Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) roles, which the union argues is a major health and safety issue. The council’s move risks £8,000 annual pay cuts for around 170 workers, with hundreds more facing loss of pay progression.

Onay Kasab, Unite’s national lead officer, stated that the council’s offer was “totally inadequate” and did not address the broader financial concerns of its workers. The offer was dismissed by workers despite the council’s insistence that it was fair. Council leaders have expressed disappointment but claim the removal of the WRCO role is necessary to avoid equal pay claims, arguing that refuse collection jobs are overwhelmingly held by men.

As the strike drags on, the city is facing severe disruptions. The backlog of waste has already reached 17,000 tonnes, leading the council to declare a major incident. Despite this, bin workers have shown no willingness to back down, with some workers saying they would not accept pay cuts, regardless of the situation.

Public health has become a growing concern. Residents have reported increased vermin activity, with rats damaging property and spreading health risks. One resident, Adam Yasin, revealed that rats chewed through the wiring of his car, rendering it unrepairable. Meanwhile, local authorities, including councils from Lichfield and Telford, have stepped in to help clear the streets.

The government has called for urgent action, with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner confirming that military planners are being brought in to assist in waste clearance. However, concerns over public health remain high, as the accumulation of rubbish continues to cause health hazards across the city. Local activists have warned that the health risks associated with the strike could become much worse if the situation remains unresolved.

Unite’s leadership is calling for a return to negotiations, urging the council to address the workers’ concerns and avoid further disruption. Meanwhile, the council faces criticism for proceeding with controversial changes to recycling collection schedules amidst the ongoing strike.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has voiced concerns over the public health situation in Birmingham, and community leaders like Sadia Khan have warned that the longer the strike continues, the greater the risk to public well-being.