Birmingham bin strike could last until end of year as workers make crucial vote
Unite has cautioned that the Birmingham bin dispute may extend until December, following a vote by workers to continue industrial action over jobs and pay.
The union reported that 97 per cent of its members voted in favour of striking, with a 75 per cent turnout.
The strikes initially began in January, after Unite claimed that the council had informed bin workers of potential pay cuts of up to £8,000, which for some, represents a quarter of their wages.
Despite talks held under the conciliation service Acas, the dispute remains unresolved.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "After smearing these workers in public since January and telling them to accept a fair and reasonable offer that never existed, the council finally put a proposal in writing last week."
'True to form, the proposal came weeks late and was not in line with the ballpark offer discussed during Acas talks in May.
'It had been watered down by the government commissioners and the leader of the council despite them never having been in the negotiations.
'It beggars belief that a Labour government and Labour council is treating these workers so disgracefully. It is hardly surprising that so many working people are asking whose side Labour is on.
'The decision-makers at Birmingham council need to get in the room and put forward an acceptable offer. Unite will not allow these workers to be financially ruined – the strikes will continue for as long as it takes.
'Unite calls on the decision-makers to let common sense prevail in upcoming negotiations.'
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: 'This is a service that needs to be transformed to one that citizens of Birmingham deserve and the council remains committed to resolving this dispute.
'We have made a fair and reasonable offer that we have asked Unite to put to their members and we are awaiting their response.'
The council denied that the leader or the Commissioners had watered down any offer.
It added that Unite's ballot was not a response to the council's latest offer that made through Acas.
A spokesperson for Acas said: 'We recognise the challenges on all sides and the desire to find a resolution, and we stand ready to offer our support.'
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