Birmingham bin misery could go on until CHRISTMAS as workers vote to continue strikes
Birmingham bin workers have voted to continue industrial action in a dispute over pay and jobs.
Unite union said its members voted by 97% in favour of strike action on a 75% turnout.
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.”