A rule change has been allowed by Birmingham City Council to help counter a pile-up of rubbish during strikes by bin crews. The authority has announced refuse crews will collect ‘side waste’ while strikes continue and rubbish continues to mounts up due to missed rounds.
It means households can place extra bags next to their wheelie bin. It’s a rule relaxation usually reserved for the post-Christmas period where some missed collections as result in a pile-up of rubbish.
There are some rules however to the system. People must place excess rubbish in black bags and place them next to regular wheelie bins.
Householders must also make sure the bin lids are closed and only a reasonable amount of ‘side waste’ will be collected.
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The extensive strike action, which involves around 350 Unite members, is a result of the council’s decision to abolish the Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) role, the union claims. Unite bosses said the WRCO roles are “safety critical.”
It added that many of the affected workers have decades of service at the council. Birmingham City Council said: “During this time of industrial action, side waste as a result of a missed collection will be collected.
Striking bin men by Lifford Lane depot / recycling centre, Kings Norton. January 6 marks the first of 12 strike days
(Image: Birmingham Live)
- Place excess waste in black bags next to your wheelie bin
- Make sure bin lids are closed – this helps to prevent damage to bins and vehicles, as well as limiting waste spillage
- A reasonable amount of excess waste will be taken each week”
The strike dates are:
- January 6, 14, 22, 30
- February 7, 10,18, 26
- March 6, 14, 25
- April 2
From Thursday, January 2, an overtime ban was implemented by union members as well as a ‘work to rule’ which will mean workers adhering to official start and finish times and returning to the work yard for their 15-minute break and 30 minute lunch period.