Bin workers in Birmingham walk out for ninth day this year after talks with council fail

Bin workers in Birmingham are walking out for a ninth date this year after talks between them and the council failed.

They are taking action after it cuts to services and pay were announced.

Talks will resume today between the council and Unite the Union.

350 members of Unite are downing tools today as part of a series of strike days that will last until April, unless a solution is reached with the council.

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.”

The Unite Union website said: "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."

A Birmingham City Council spokesperson told us in regards to the pay rise: "As is the case across local government, Birmingham City Council established an Independent Remuneration Panel in 2001. This is an independent body made up for seven panel members who deliver a report to the city council each year with a series of recommendations. This report, which recognises the important duties carried out by councillors and the time commitment that this carries, received cross-party support."

They continued: "We respect everyone's right to protest. While it is disappointing the industrial action is continuing we have a robust contingency plan and are working hard to ensure everyone gets a bin collection each week. We thank residents for their understanding and patience so far and will continue to provide up-to-date information for them during this time."

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