A former Birmingham binman has said council bosses "should have done this 12 months ago" after it emerged an end to the bin strike was "within sight."
John Cotton, leader of the Labour-run Birmingham City Council, announced on Monday afternoon, April 27, that the basis of a deal had been struck with the union Unite to end the long-running dispute. However, Coun Cotton said the pre-election period prevented the authority from making a final decision prior to May 7, the day residents will head to the polls.
Speaking days before the election, he said he would "work to get this deal approved as a matter of absolute priority" under his leadership, if re-elected.
Union boss Onay Kasab confirmed the terms of the "ballpark" deal included a £16,000 payout for bin workers whose pay and grading had been affected by the dispute. Unite said it was a "vindication of the bin workers' struggle for a decent deal following their job evaluation regrading." The union also claimed commissioners were the reason the deal had not yet been presented to Unite members.
Former binman speaks out
Former grade four binman David Callaghan, speaking to BirminghamLive following the news, said: "They should have done this 12 months ago. To let it go on for this long...it's shocking.
"I've been a Labour supporter all my life, as I believed they were for the working class, but I feel let down by the party. I'm not sure I'd vote for them again. They're pulling their hair out now trying to stay [in power]."
The 58-year-old, who accepted a redundancy package last year, said: "I was a grade four driver and I was one of those who were going to lose £8,000. I had 35 years of service and thought 'I've not worked all those years to get to where I am today, just to then earn what I did 15 years ago'."
Mr Callaghan said he "jumped ship" in September and accepted a redundancy package which wasn't exactly what he "wanted," but admitted it seemed to be "working" for his family "at the moment." He said he would be extremely "happy" for his former colleagues if a deal was officially struck.
John Cotton full statement
Coun Cotton, speaking outside the council house, 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 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 to help us deliver the quality refuse and recycling services that people of this city deserve. That's why throughout this dispute, I have resisted those who would dismiss striking workers instead of negotiating.
"I have instructed officers to move forward with negotiations so we can bring this matter to a close.
"Now whilst the pre-election period prevents the council from making a final decision prior to the 7th of 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 that was reached with the council's unions last year that will deliver the pay justice that thousands of women workers were denied under previous leaderships.
"And I'd 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. Thank you very much indeed."
Unite full statement
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said: "As I have said on many occasions, the workers come first and we will always do everything in our power to ensure that our members are treated with dignity and respect.
"The move made today by the leader of the council is a vindication of the bin workers’ struggle for a decent deal.
"Over the last few months, there have been intense negotiations to get the blocked 'ballpark' deal back on the table, so that our members could vote on it.
"The reason why we are not yet at that stage is purely down to the vindictive interference of the government backed commissioners who have attempted to block the deal again and clearly overstepped their remit.
"Their lack of both experience and industrial relations competence has been a major factor in this dispute, and their malevolent game playing has been an absolute disgrace.
"The commissioner model is a licence for a few unelected individuals to print money and play games. They have let the workers down, the people of Birmingham down and the council down.
"I salute the fortitude of my members who have needlessly been forced to endure months of attacks and hardship to get us to this point.
"I thank mayor Richard Parker and Lord Brendan Barber for the important roles both have played in getting us to this point. And I thank the people of Birmingham for their continued patience and support."
