Striking Birmingham bin workers face job losses, warns city council

Birmingham bin workers on strike could face compulsory redundancies after rejecting all offers, the city council has warned.

Talks between the council and the Unite union have failed to resolve the industrial action, which began on 11 March.

Unite claims planned restructuring of the refuse service will see about 50 workers lose £8,000 a year and around 20 lose £2,000.

The union called the redundancy consultation "disgraceful." However, the council disputes these figures, saying, "This is about improving waste services. We thank staff and apologise to frustrated residents."

There is disagreement over the exact number of affected staff, but estimates range between 70 and 76.

The council said it regretted the possibility of redundancies, insisting it had "consistently tried to find a solution" and had made "a very fair offer," which remains available.

Unite, however, accused the council of refusing to discuss the core issue.

"They still haven't explained the so-called equal pay issue, which is fundamental," said Onay Kasab, Unite's national lead officer. "We are talking about 72 people, and we will ensure the council does not proceed with redundancies."

Kasab added that if redundancies go ahead, the dispute will escalate.

The Labour-run city council stated that all staff had been offered alternative roles at the same pay, with nearly three-quarters accepting or choosing voluntary redundancy.

"There are now 41 workers who have declined any offer and 35 undergoing driver training who have said, via Unite, that they are working under protest," the council said.

Negotiations are set to resume on Monday.

The strike has lasted nearly three months, with rubbish piling up across Birmingham. Images of overflowing bins have circulated globally, and residents report foul smells and rats in the streets.

Read more: I love this city but we can't live like this: Birmingham must move past these endless bin strikes

Councillor Majid Mahmood, who resigned from Unite this week over its failure to condemn reported picket line violence, told the BBC that the bin service needed modernisation.

Read more: Birmingham's bins chief quits union over claims of 'violence' and 'threats' on the picket lines

"I understand residents’ frustration—I'm a born and bred Brummie myself," he said. "I haven't had a collection for two weeks, but we've put contingencies in place, such as extending recycling centre hours."

Mahmood urged Unite to cooperate. "Please work with us—we’re willing to negotiate around the clock to resolve this."