Striking Birmingham bin workers set for Council House protest

When: 9am to 11am, Wednesday 12 February 2025

Where: Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BB

The protest will take place as council officials begin further talks with Unite.

More than 350 refuse workers began strike action in January over the scrapping of the safety critical Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) role, resulting in pay cuts of up to £8,000 for 150 workers.

The workers, who have already voluntarily accepted cuts to pay and terms and conditions to assist the council after it effectively declared bankruptcy, are also concerned further cuts to wages and jobs are incoming.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It is appalling that while Birmingham council inflicts huge and unjustified pay cuts on its refuse workers, councillors hand themselves a hefty pay rise. You couldn’t make it up.

“The council’s actions have only strengthened our members’ resolve to stop the brutal attacks on their wages. Birmingham’s bin workers did not create the council’s financial crisis and they should not have to pay for it.”

Last week, Birmingham council voted to increase councillor allowances by 5.7 per cent, more than double the current CPI inflation rate of 2.5 per cent.

Unite lead national officer Onay Kasab said: “Birmingham’s refuse workers won’t be scapegoats for a mess made by politicians. Our members know axing the WRCO role is just the beginning—paving the way for more assaults on pay, conditions, and job security.”

Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, said previously: "The consultation period with our recognised unions has come to an end and a decision has been taken to proceed with the proposal to change to the new operating arrangements. Ensuring the safety of our employees and residents is taken extremely seriously, and health and safety is everyone’s responsibility.

"We are now undertaking the post consultation steps to ensure all Birmingham City Council colleagues affected by the change in working arrangements are supported. There are several options that are available to suit different personal circumstances, these include opting for voluntary redundancy, promotion or redeployment. We recognise that this is an unsettling time, and we have moved quickly, to minimise this period of uncertainty for everyone.

"We are committed to working with our colleagues across the service for the best outcome so that we deliver a consistent and reliable service that Birmingham residents deserve."