BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – JUNE 02: Bags of rubbish and bins overflow on the pavement in the Sparkbrook area on June 02, 2025 in Birmingham, England. Birmingham’s refuse workers have been on indefinite strike since March 11 over Birmingham City Council’s plans to downgrade some staff and reduce their pay. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)[/caption]
Birmingham bin workers have voted to continue industrial action in a dispute over pay and jobs.
Strikes could last until December with Unite announcing the continued industrial action moments ago.
Strikes could now last until December[/caption]
Workers voted in favour of further strikes by an overwhelming majority[/caption]
A massive 97% of workers voted in favour of continued strike action with a 75% turnout the workers union has said.
Nearly 400 bin workers from Birmingham, who are facing pay cuts, voted to continue the strikes.
The strikes began in January after workers were told by the council they could face pay cuts of up to £8,000.
Refuse workers said the cuts would leave them struggling to pay their bills.
Rubbish has piled up on the city’s streets amid the industrial action with rodents and vermin now appearing across Birmingham.
Talks have been held under the chairmanship of the conciliation service Acas but the dispute remains deadlocked.
The council brought in temporary workers to cover for the striking staff.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “After smearing these workers in public since January and telling them to accept a fair and reasonable offer that never existed, the council finally put a proposal in writing last week.
“True to form, the proposal came weeks late and was not in line with the ballpark offer discussed during Acas talks in May.
“It had been watered down by the government commissioners and the leader of the council despite them never having been in the negotiations.
“It beggars belief that a Labour government and Labour council is treating these workers so disgracefully.
“It is hardly surprising that so many working people are asking whose side Labour is on.
“The decision makers at Birmingham council need to get in the room and put forward an acceptable offer.
“Unite will not allow these workers to be financially ruined – the strikes will continue for as long as it takes. Unite calls on the decision makers to let common sense prevail in upcoming negotiations.”
Residents have reported spotting rats among the filth[/caption]
Unite announced the continued industrial action today[/caption]
