Birmingham City Council has revealed it is on the brink of resolving its deeply damaging row with bin workers. An agreement between the council and bins union Unite to conclude the 16-month dispute was described this afternoon as being "within sight".
Council Leader's Statement
Council leader John Cotton made the statement from the steps of the Council House in Victoria Square, confirming a fresh proposal was on the table which he believed could gain approval from striking Unite union members.
The bin strike has been raging since January last year - at one point tens of thousands of tonnes of uncollected waste was piling up on the city streets. It was initially sparked in January 2025 by the council's decision to axe the Waste Recycling and Collection Officer role on its bin crews. Soon after the pay and grading of bin truck drivers - previously treated as team leaders - was cut. The two issues together triggered a massive outpouring of anger, with Unite demanding compensation payouts for the hundreds of affected binmen.
The two sides initially negotiated under the auspices of Acas, the arbitration service, but talks broke down last July. Since then the two sides have not formally met, to the frustration of residents.
Full Statement from Cllr John Cotton
Cllr John Cotton, Labour Leader of Birmingham City Council said: "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.
"This has been a challenging and complex process, but after months of hard work, on the principles and parameters of a deal, I believe a new improved offer can be made and terms can be put in place that address the 'ballpark issues' discussed at ACAS that Unite members can agree in order to end the strike once and for all.
"A deal that would be good for the workforce, represent good value for money and would not repeat the mistakes of the past and risk creating new structural equal pay liabilities.
"I want our workforce to be able to return to work and help us deliver the quality refuse and recycling services the people of this city deserve. That's why throughout this dispute I have resisted those who would dismiss the striking workers instead of negotiating.
"I have instructed officers to move forward with negotiations so that we can bring this matter to a close.
"Whilst the pre-election period prevents the Council from making a final decision prior to 7 May, a re-elected Labour administration under my leadership will work to get this deal approved as a matter of absolute priority. The council can then move forward and offer the people of Birmingham the services that they deserve.
"I also want to re-emphasise my absolute determination to see through the agreement reached with the council's unions last year that will deliver the pay justice that thousands of women workers were denied under previous leaderships.
"I would like to thank the people of Birmingham for their patience during this challenging time. It's now clear that whilst other parties have no plan, only Labour can end this dispute and deliver a refuse service that works for everyone in Birmingham."
