Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton has announced that a deal to end the 16-month bin strike is now "within sight", but a final decision will not be made until after the local elections on May 7.
Speaking from the steps of the Council House in Victoria Square, Cotton said a new improved offer was on the table that he believed could be accepted by striking Unite union members. The dispute has seen overflowing bins and angry workers across the city.
Key points of the announcement
Cotton stated: "After months of frustration and delay, for the first time in over 12 months a negotiated settlement to end the bin strike is now within sight." He added that the deal would be good for the workforce, represent good value for money, and would not risk creating new structural equal pay liabilities.
The council leader instructed officers to move forward with negotiations, but noted that the pre-election period prevents a final decision before May 7. A re-elected Labour administration would work to get the deal approved as a matter of priority.
Unite's response
Unite's general secretary Sharon Graham hailed the update, and national officer Onay Kasab was present in Victoria Square for the announcement. The union had previously suspended the membership of every Birmingham councillor linked to Unite and refused to pay affiliation fees to the Labour party in retaliation for the dispute.
Background to the dispute
The bin strike began in January 2025 after the council decided to axe the Waste Recycling and Collection Officer role on bin crews. Shortly after, the pay and grading of bin truck drivers was cut. Unite demanded compensation payouts for the hundreds of affected binmen.
Talks under the auspices of Acas broke down last July, and the two sides had not formally met since. Cotton had previously said the council could not make payouts without risking a new equal pay debacle.
Political fallout
The long-running dispute has triggered a huge backlash against Labour candidates ahead of the local elections, where 101 councillors will be elected. Political rivals have decried the Labour administration as inept. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and local Labour MPs were reportedly furious over the lack of progress, with Starmer forced to answer questions in the House of Commons about negotiating tactics.
Cotton thanked the people of Birmingham for their patience and emphasized that only Labour can end the dispute and deliver a refuse service that works for everyone.
