Birmingham City Council has launched a defence of its bin collection performance as fears grow that ongoing strike action could continue past the local elections in May.
Strike Action Escalates
Refuse workers in Birmingham have voted overwhelmingly to extend their industrial action, with the dispute now set to intensify as agency staff join picket lines. Workers employed directly by the council will be joined by agency personnel from Job & Talent, who are contracted for refuse work, from December 1st.
The union Unite announced the significant escalation on Monday, revealing that agency workers would officially join the strike action. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham stated: "This is a real escalation in the dispute with agency workers now joining picket lines due to the terrible way they have been treated by Job & Talent and Birmingham council."
Council Defends Collection Record
Despite the ongoing disruption, Birmingham City Council has pointed to improving figures in waste collection. While recycling and green waste collections remain suspended, the authority claims it's collecting substantial amounts of household waste.
The council revealed it has been collecting approximately 1,330 tonnes of kerbside waste daily - more than before the industrial action began. Over the past six months, they've collected over 100,000 tonnes of kerbside waste, with significant improvements in efficiency.
A council spokesperson expressed disappointment that the dispute remains unresolved, noting that Unite has rejected all their offers. However, they reassured residents that contingency plans are maintaining a minimum of one collection per week.
Productivity Claims and Ongoing Dispute
The council highlighted substantial improvements in their waste collection operations despite the strike action. There has been a 22% increase in waste tonnage collected per employee and a 52% improvement in addressing missed collections.
Unite has been critical of the council's approach, with Sharon Graham commenting: "Birmingham council is spending a fortune it doesn't have on a dispute that could easily be resolved by agreeing a fair deal for workers."
The union has claimed that increasing numbers of agency staff are refusing to cross picket lines due to what they describe as "unsustainable" workloads. Hundreds of Unite members have been on all-out strike since March over disputes regarding pay and working conditions.
As the dispute enters its ninth month, both sides appear entrenched in their positions, with residents facing continued disruption to waste services and no immediate resolution in sight.
