Birmingham City Council has applied to extend a High Court injunction aimed at preventing bin lorries from being blocked at depots until 2028. The order, originally granted in February, targets 'persons unknown' who obstruct waste trucks during protests related to the ongoing refuse collectors' strike.
Background of the Injunction
The injunction was secured by the council in February after bin lorries were blocked at depots in Perry Barr, Kings Norton, and Tyseley during demonstrations. The current order expires on May 20, but the council now seeks to extend it until January 1, 2028.
Anyone found in violation of the injunction could face up to two years in prison for contempt of court, a fine, or asset seizure.
Hearing and Current Status
A hearing was scheduled for Thursday, April 30, at Birmingham Civil and Family Centre. This comes shortly after the council announced a tentative deal with the Unite union to end the long-running bin strike. However, council leader John Cotton stated that the pre-election period prevents a final decision before the local elections on May 7.
Cotton has faced criticism from opposition groups and a former binman regarding the timing of the announcement.
Council Statement
A council spokesperson said the hearing is expected to last around three hours and provides an opportunity for 'persons unknown' to make representations. The injunction prohibits activities such as entering, occupying, or blocking access to council depots by individuals supporting the Unite strikes.
The council emphasized that the order does not restrict lawful protest or picketing, which is covered by a separate High Court injunction against Unite granted last year. Unite was fined over £250,000 in March for breaching that order by illegally blocking bin lorries.
The action follows repeated incidents where striking bin workers prevented lorries from leaving depots, leading to mounting rubbish across parts of the city.
