Birmingham Bin Workers Hold Line in Historic Strike

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Eight months into their indefinite strike, Birmingham’s refuse workers remain steadfast against council wage cuts. With overwhelming community support and union solidarity, the dispute has become a defining battle over fairness, dignity, and the right to resist “fire and rehire.”

Birmingham’s refuse workers are continuing their indefinite strike after eight gruelling months, standing firm against the city council’s attempt to slash wages by up to £8,000 through a controversial “fire and rehire” strategy. The workers, represented by Unite, have refused to back down in the face of council intransigence, which has so far blocked meaningful negotiations.The strike has become a symbol of resistance across the city. Unite reports that nearly 6,000 households are proudly displaying posters and stickers in support of the workers, while more than 150 local businesses and faith groups have pledged solidarity. This groundswell of backing demonstrates that the community recognises the justice of the workers’ cause and the unfairness of the council’s approach.

Allegations of blacklisting and intimidation have further tarnished the council’s conduct. Agency staff have reportedly been threatened to deter them from supporting the strike, raising serious questions about the legality and morality of the council’s tactics. At the same time, millions of pounds are being wasted on fighting a dispute that could be resolved through negotiation—money that could instead be invested in public services.

Meanwhile, residents are left to suffer the consequences, with recycling rates plummeting and waste piling up.Pat Harrington, General Secretary of Solidarity union, voiced his support for the strikers: “These workers are showing immense courage in the face of injustice. Fire and rehire is an attack on dignity and livelihoods. Birmingham’s bin workers are standing up not just for themselves, but for every worker threatened by this exploitative practice. They deserve our full solidarity.”The Birmingham bin strike is now one of the longest-running disputes in recent memory, and its outcome will resonate far beyond the city. For union members across Britain, it is a reminder that collective action remains the most powerful tool against employer overreach.

Action points
Sign the petition at the campaign website https://www.unitetheunion.org/campaigns/back-birminghams-refuse-workers-sign-our-petition-today

Consider making a small donation to the strike fund. Unite Solidarity Fund
60-83-01 | 20502672
Ref: BCC strike donation

Solidarity stands with Birmingham’s striking bin workers

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575 words, 3 minutes read time.

Solidarity is proud to stand with the Birmingham refuse workers, who are taking all-out strike action against disgraceful pay cuts and job threats. These are not minor changes — some of these key workers stand to lose as much as £8,000 a year. That’s nearly a quarter of their wages. And for what? To balance the books after years of mismanagement, while those at the top carry on unaffected.

Now we’re hearing calls from Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister and Local Government Secretary, for workers to accept what she calls an “improved” offer. Speaking during a photo-op with local volunteers tidying rubbish left by the strike, she 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.

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.”

But where is the fairness in asking workers to take a 25% hit to their pay? What’s “improved” about a deal that still leaves people struggling to pay their bills?

Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, rightly challenged the hypocrisy:

“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.

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.

A notable point was made by one of our members, which Unite believes sums up where we are with this council and could be with others: ‘The council are saying that we should share the pain but not one councillor, including the leader, has been asked to give up a quarter of their pay.

We thought when Labour came in they would stop what was happening — we were wrong’.”

Instead of sitting down with the union and finding a just solution, the council and its allies have chosen confrontation. Strike-breakers have been brought in — untrained, non-union, and without the safety knowledge required for such work. This is a deeply irresponsible move that puts both the public and the scabs themselves at risk.

To make matters worse, the police have been deployed to monitor and intimidate lawful pickets. Why is public money being spent sending officers to watch workers standing up for their rights, rather than dealing with real threats to public safety? It’s a transparent attempt to suppress solidarity and send a message: “don’t step out of line.”

This isn’t just a Birmingham issue. It’s about the wider principle: do we allow public sector workers to be treated as disposable? Or do we fight back?

Bin workers were there during the pandemic. They worked through lockdown, often with little protection, to keep our communities clean. They didn’t ask for praise — they asked for fair pay. And this is how they’re repaid?

Solidarity condemns the use of strike-breakers and police pressure to undermine legitimate action. We stand firmly with the striking workers. Their fight is our fight — for dignity, fairness and respect at work.

If there’s any “pain to be shared,” it should start at the top. Until councillors take a 25% pay cut themselves, they’ve no business telling others to accept one.

By Maria Camara

Birmingham Bin Strike: Workers Stand Against Pay Cuts

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The ongoing Birmingham bin strike has captured the attention of the city and beyond.

Over 350 bin workers, represented by Unite the Union, have taken a stand against Birmingham City Council’s decision to abolish the Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) role.

This move, which the council claims is necessary to avoid future equal pay claims, has resulted in pay cuts of up to £8,000 for 150 workers. The strikers argue that the WRCO role is safety-critical and that the pay cuts are unjust.

The strike, which began in early February, has now escalated to three days a week, with picket lines set up at key locations including

Perry Bar Depot, Holford Drive, B42 2TU
Atlas Depot, 170-172 Kings Road, Tyseley, B11 2AS
Lifford Lane Depot, Lifford Lane, Birmingham, B30 3JJ.

The picketing at these sites will take place from 8am to 10am on each strike day.

The strike dates for the coming weeks are as follows:

25th February 2025
26th February 2025
27th February 2025
3rd March 2025
4th March 2025
6th March 2025
10th March 2025

The determination and resilience of the Birmingham bin workers are truly inspiring.

They have accepted cuts to their pay and terms and conditions since the council declared bankruptcy in September 2023, working in good faith to ensure services continued. However, the council’s decision to abolish the WRCO role has been the final straw.

We urge everyone to show their support for the bin workers during these challenging times. Consider joining the picket lines, spreading the word on social media, or donating to the strike fund.

Every bit of support counts in this fight for fairness and justice.

Together, we can stand with the Birmingham bin workers and help them achieve their rightful demands.

Let’s build solidarity and show that we are with them every step of the way.

By Pat Harrington