Could Birmingham's bin strikes be nearing an end?

Birmingham's striking bin workers are to be balloted on whether to accept a 'new deal' to end a month long strike over pay and jobs.

Unite said the ballot would close on Monday evening - with the deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, urging workers to accept the new terms.

Union leaders claim bin workers remain 'in the driving seat' over their next steps, with the union backing them '100% of the way' whatever the outcome.

Members of Unite launched an all-out strike last month in a bitter dispute over pay and jobs, which has led to concerns over public health.

Birmingham has seen 17,000 tonnes of rubbish piled up in the streets since the industrial action started in March.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and local government minister Jim McMahon visited Birmingham on Thursday (10 April) to meet staff involved in clearing the backlog and volunteers clearing up their area.

Ms Rayner, who is also Communities Secretary, said: "The people of Birmingham are our first priority - this dispute is causing misery and disruption to residents and the backlog must be dealt with quickly to address public health risks.

"My department is working with Birmingham City Council to support its response to accelerate clearing the backlog and rapidly improve the situation on the ground.

"Neighbouring authorities are providing additional vehicles and crews, and we are providing logistical support.

"I have pressed both sides to negotiate at pace to urgently find a resolution.

"There is now a better offer on the table and I would urge Unite to suspend the action and accept the improved deal so we achieve fairness for both workers and residents of this city."

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Whilst it is helpful that the government finally realised after weeks that they have a role in this dispute, the constant attacks and briefings against these low paid bin workers is frankly a disgrace.

“It is important to reiterate the truth, as opposed to the lies being peddled in an attempt to distract.

“This dispute is not about greed, or increased pay. This dispute is about workers losing up to £8,000 of their pay – which for some is almost a quarter.

“Whilst after many weeks there has now been a partial deal on pay protection for a few, it still leaves these workers worrying about how they are going to pay their mortgages and rent payments in a few months’ time. For the drivers, they are still unaware what their drop in pay will be but the council have muted that this could also be around £8,000.

“Of course, these workers are in the driving seat around what they wish to accept. Indeed, there is another ballot happening by close of play on Monday. Unite backs these workers 100 per cent.

“Rather than vilifying their low paid employees, the council should look seriously at the KC approved offer that Unite has put forward, which deals with the issues and gives these workers and their families dignity and security."

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