Birmingham Waste Workers to Vote on Strike Action

Approximately 400 waste collection employees are currently being balloted regarding potential strike action, a union has announced. This dispute centers on pay and job roles. The Unite union stated that under Birmingham City Council’s proposed plans, dozens of workers could face annual salary reductions of up to £8,000. The ballot is scheduled to commence on Friday and will conclude on Wednesday, December 4. A city council spokesman confirmed that the consultation period with unions has ended, and a decision has been made to proceed with a proposal to implement new operating arrangements. Unite claimed the council “had refused to back down” on its plans, which would effectively demote certain staff members by eliminating their Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) role. The union indicated that around 150 staff members currently hold this position. It further added that this role provides safety expertise for an “often dirty and dangerous job,” citing the instance of David Carpenter’s death last year when he was crushed while collecting bins in Coventry. The union also noted that the city’s waste workers had previously accepted reductions in overtime and night-time allowances. Residents in areas such as Northfield and Selly Park have recently reported missed collections, which the council partly attributed to staff absences. The council had previously stated that waste services were undergoing a “change programme” that included new vehicles and staffing adjustments. The city’s last major strike by bin collectors occurred in 2018, leading to rubbish accumulating on the streets. When questioned about the possibility of any resulting strikes taking place over Christmas, Frank Keogh, a regional co-ordinating officer at Unite, told BBC Radio WM on Tuesday that workers would determine the timings if they voted for industrial action. He stated, “That won’t be my decision, that’ll be a decision for those members.” Mr. Keogh also mentioned that workers are legally required to provide the council with notice before initiating a strike. Birmingham City Council, which effectively declared itself bankrupt last September, is aiming to identify £300 million in savings over two years. Councillor Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, emphasized that ensuring the safety of employees and residents is taken seriously. He said, “We are now undertaking the post-consultation steps to ensure all Birmingham City Council colleagues affected by the change in working arrangements are supported.” He added, “There are several options that are available to suit different personal circumstances, these include opting for voluntary redundancy, promotion or redeployment.” The council acknowledged that this is an unsettling period, he further noted.