By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-03-18 10:01:31 | Updated at 2025-03-20 19:19:14
2 days ago
Bin workers in Birmingham have continued their indefinite strike over pay and jobs, with picketers blocking refuse lorries from leaving depots.
The industrial action, which began last Tuesday, has led to rubbish piling up across the city.
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Photos show cats scavenging for food in mounds of waste as the strike enters its second week
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Around 400 council bin workers are participating in the action, causing significant disruption to waste collection services
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They added: "Stopping the collection of waste is considered a risk for public health and safety in the community."
Grahame Turner from the National Pest Technicians Associated warned that rotting food was an "absolute banquet" for rats, mice and squirrels.
"Once rodents arrive to feast on your overflowing bins, there is a risk that they will explore other parts of the location, seeking warmth, shelter, and more food," he said.
Unite, the workers' union, claimed the delays were because of "picket line checks" and problems with "safety violations".
Barckley Sumner, a Unite press officer, told The Telegraph that the strike was "indefinite" and defended the workers' actions, saying: "There's a legal right to picket."
He claimed workers were checking vehicles before allowing them to exit, adding: "Half of the vehicles aren't roadworthy and shouldn't be going out."
Onay Kasab, Unite's national lead officer, said the union has claimed the council could end the dispute "by agreeing to pay a decent rate".
Unite, the workers' union, claimed the delays were because of 'picket line checks' and problems with 'safety violations'
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The council said it had made a 'fair and reasonable offer' to Unite members
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A spokesman for Birmingham City Council condemned the strikes as "unacceptable".
"These daily disruptions have been blocking our refuse trucks from leaving our depots which is preventing us from collecting residents' bins," they said.
The council disputed Unite's claims that 150 workers could lose £8,000 per year in pay under proposed restructuring.
They insisted the plans were crucial for financial sustainability.
The council said it had made a "fair and reasonable offer" to Unite members.
They added that "the door was still open to talks" and encouraged Unite to "come back to the table".
The union warned that rubbish collection could face disruption well into the summer months.
Refuse workers have voted in favour of extending their strike mandate over the council's use of temporary labour.
Unite claims this temporary workforce is being used to "undermine" their industrial action.
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