Bin crews have started an overtime ban ahead of a series of strikes next week. On Thursday (January 2), workers began “a work to rule” strategy, which will mean adhering to official start and finish times and returning to the workyard for their 15-minute break and 30-minute lunch period.
According to Bin Workers’ Union Unite, this move was set to cause “considerable disruption.” Twelve days of strike action will start on Monday (January 6).
The dispute will involve over 350 members of Unite and result from the council’s decision to abolish the safety-critical Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) role. The 150 affected workers face losing £8,000 a year, and the cut could also reduce future pension payments, the union claimed.
Read More: Message to householders after council bin crews leave paper and cardboard uncollected
On Thursday, some of the cardboard and paper sections in wheelie bins were left uncollected due to “operational reasons.” Householders were told crews would come back on Friday to finish the job.
Birmingham City Council said: “Due to operational reasons we’ve been unable to collect cardboard and paper recycling in some areas of the city today (2nd January). If you have been affected, please leave your recycling bin out for collection and we’ll return tomorrow. Apologies for any inconvenience.”
Wheelie bins and black rubbish sacks on the streets of Uplands Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, as bin workers have suspended strike action as a “gesture of goodwill” for talks to take place
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
The dates of strike action are January 6,14, 22, 30. February 7, 10,18, 26, March 6, 14, 25, 2 April. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite is not prepared to see its workers face a huge pay cut, nor will it allow the council to recklessly cut safety critical roles which risks the safety of workers and the general public.
“Unite is totally focussed on protecting the pay and safety of its members and will leave no stone unturned in resolving this dispute.”