Tag: Industrial Action

Birmingham Bin Workers Hold Line in Historic Strike

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The bins are overflowing in Birmingham
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 

What the Employment Rights Bill Means for Workers Today

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Labour have delivered on some key promises to workers and the unions

The recent approval of the Employment Rights Bill marks a significant step forward in strengthening workers’ protections across the UK. The bill introduces key measures to enhance job security, workplace fairness, and employee well-being. However, while it offers notable improvements, certain provisions have been diluted or omitted, raising concerns from the Solidarity trade union, which welcomes progress but remains critical of areas where protections have been watered down or delayed.

Key Provisions of the Employment Rights Bill

  1. Guaranteed Hours for Zero-Hours Workers
    The bill ensures that agency workers must be offered contracts reflecting their average hours over a 12-week reference period. This closes loopholes that previously allowed employers to exploit zero-hours contracts by switching workers to agency status.
  2. Day-One Protection from Unfair Dismissal
    Employees will now have the right to protection from unfair dismissal from their first day of employment, ending the two-year waiting period that has left many workers vulnerable. This is a crucial win for workers who were previously afraid to challenge poor conditions for fear of immediate dismissal.
  3. Immediate Sick Pay Eligibility
    All workers will be entitled to statutory sick pay (SSP) from the first day of absence, addressing a long-standing issue where low-paid workers were left without financial support when unwell.
  4. Enhanced Trade Union Access
    Trade unions will now have the right to access workplaces—both physically and digitally—to support and organise workers. Stronger protections are also in place to prevent employers from using unfair tactics to block union recognition efforts.
  5. Establishment of a Fair Work Agency
    A new state Fair Work Agency will bring together existing enforcement bodies to improve oversight and crack down on labour law violations, aiming for fairer conditions across industries.

Critical Perspectives and Areas of Concern

While the bill introduces several progressive measures, Solidarity trade union highlights areas where loopholes, delays, and missing protections remain:

  • Sick Pay Levels Are Still Too Low
    The government has set minimum sick pay at 80% of normal wages or SSP, whichever is lower. While this is better than the previously suggested 60%, it still means many workers will receive less than their usual income while off sick. A full review of sick pay rates is urgently needed.
  • Loopholes in Guaranteed Hours Contracts
    The bill allows for collective agreements to modify guaranteed hours arrangements, which could lead to exploitation by employers. Without clear protections, there is a risk that workers will still face insecure scheduling and last-minute shift cancellations.
  • Employment Status Reforms Are Missing
    The bill fails to clarify employment status definitions, leaving many gig economy and self-employed workers vulnerable to misclassification and denial of key protections. A clear, universal definition of ‘worker’ is needed to prevent abuse.
  • Restrictive Trade Union Laws Remain
    Some positive changes have been made to industrial action laws, such as:
    • Strike notice periods reduced from 14 to 10 days
    • Strike mandates now lasting 12 months instead of six
    However, the bill still enforces a three-year waiting period before a union can reapply for recognition—a gift to union-busting employers. Reducing this delay would strengthen workers’ ability to organise.
  • Delayed Implementation of Electronic Balloting
    The bill promises electronic balloting for industrial action but delays its implementation. This means unions must still rely on costly and bureaucratic postal ballots for the time being.

Conclusion

The Employment Rights Bill represents a long-overdue shift towards better protections for UK workers. Solidarity trade union welcomes these changes but calls for further action to strengthen sick pay, close loopholes in employment protections, and remove barriers to union organising.

Progress is being made—but workers cannot afford to stop fighting for the rights they deserve.

By Maria Camara