Taxpayers across Birmingham have been left with overflowing bins once again today, after a coordinated "megapicket" protest effectively shut down the city's refuse collection services. The large-scale industrial action, which saw campaigners from an estimated thirty different organisations gather before dawn, marks a significant escalation in a bitter dispute over pay and job cuts that has now dragged into its second year.
Protesters Rally at Key Depots to Support Striking Workers
The main gathering occurred at the Smithfield site in the city centre early this morning, Friday, January 30, where supporters listened to speeches in solidarity with the striking bin workers. A secondary picket was also established at the Perry Barr depot, demonstrating the widespread nature of the protest. In response to the anticipated disruption, Birmingham City Council made the decision yesterday to suspend all bin collections for the day.
The council issued a statement apologising for the inconvenience, stating: "Due to expected disruption at all our depots because of the planned 'mega-picket' we have decided to suspend collections today. We are sorry for the inconvenience and aim to catch-up over the weekend. Please leave your bin out and we will collect as soon as we can."
Political Figures Condemn Council's Handling of Dispute
Former Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell addressed the crowd at Smithfield, delivering a scathing critique of the local Labour council's position. "It is shameful that this is a Labour council," he told protesters. "They should be ashamed of themselves. All we’re asking you to do is get around the table and start negotiations. These commissioners, they should’ve been sacked months ago."
McDonnell went on to criticise the perceived disparity between proposed pay cuts for workers and the earnings of council officials, adding: "What I find offensive is, you look at the pay cut they’ve tried to inflict, and then how much they’re earning on a daily basis. It’s money most people couldn’t dream of, and yet they sit there trying to dictate how the city should be run." He expressed confidence in the strikers' eventual victory, stating he would be proud to have been part of the action.
Union Leaders Vow to Continue Action Until Demands Are Met
Henry Fowler, co-founder of Strike Map, emphasised the growing support for the industrial action. "Our megapickets are growing with every action we take," he said. "This strike has united three political parties, the labour movement and the people of Birmingham in condemning the cuts imposed by this Council and its Commissioners. We want to be absolutely clear: we will be back again, and again, and again, until these workers win. We stand with the Birmingham bin strikers."
Further backing came from Steve Wright, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, who confirmed ongoing support for the refuse workers. As a Labour Party affiliate, the FBU is calling on the Prime Minister to intervene and help end the protracted dispute.
Council Maintains Stance on 'Unjustifiable' Union Demands
In contrast, City Bins Coun Majid Mahmood, the cabinet member for environment, has described the Unite union's demands as "unjustifiable." He outlined the council's position, stating: "The council has engaged in negotiations with Unite. While we remain committed to reaching a negotiated settlement, Unite has rejected our fair and reasonable offers. Our doors remain open for Unite to put forward constructive suggestions to resolve this dispute and we want those taking strike action to return to work so we can continue delivering the waste services that the people of Birmingham expect and deserve."
Coun Mahmood acknowledged resident frustration, apologising for the inconvenience and thanking the public for their patience as the bitter standoff shows no immediate signs of resolution, leaving the city's waste management in a state of continued disruption.
