Birmingham City Council has stated that no bins strike 'deal' currently exists in a significant update on the dispute that has persisted for 17 months. The strike, now well into its second year, has caused extensive disruption to waste collection services and considerable frustration among residents.
Background of the Dispute
Prior to last month's local elections, former council leader John Cotton announced that an end to the strike was 'within sight'. He indicated that the local authority was close to settling its dispute with Unite the union after reaching an agreement. However, he noted that the pre-election period prevented the council from making a final decision before May 7, the election date. Cotton pledged that a 're-elected Labour administration under my leadership will work to get this deal approved as a matter of absolute priority'.
With Labour losing control of the council and a new administration set to take over, Unite recently warned that the 'deal to end the bin strikes struck by the old political leadership hangs in the balance'. The union cited concerns that officers and government-appointed commissioners might 'pull the plug, regardless of the position of the new political leadership'.
Council's Response
The council has responded by asserting that 'no deal exists' because Cotton's statement was made in a political capacity, not as leader of the council. A council spokesperson said: 'Birmingham City Council were not party to discussions held between Unite and Labour in the run-up to local elections. Therefore, no 'deal' exists to 'hang in the balance' or 'pull the plug' on. The statement made in the run-up to the elections by the then-leader of the Labour group was made in a political capacity and not as the leader of the council.'
The council added that it has worked diligently since the start of industrial action to find a route to a 'lawful, reasonable and industrially acceptable settlement' of the waste dispute. It will continue to do so with the new leadership and administration, urging Unite to engage constructively.
Political Landscape
The local elections fragmented Birmingham's politics, leaving no party with a majority to control the council. Talks are underway to form a stable coalition, with a meeting reportedly scheduled for Friday to decide the next leader and administration. The bins strike, triggered by the loss of the Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) role, has seen the previous Labour administration argue that a fair offer was made, despite claims of an £8,000 pay cut for striking workers.
