Birmingham bin strike reaches one month

Military planners have been called into Birmingham, as the ongoing strike by refuse workers reaches one month.

The strike began on 11 March and the city council has since declared a major incident and asked neighbouring authorities to help.

Now office-based planners from the army are set to provide logistical support.

Declaring a major incident at the ned of March, Councillor John Cotton, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “I want to thank residents for their continued patience under difficult circumstances and the community groups who have been working hard within their communities to help with clear-up.

“I would reiterate that we have made a fair and reasonable offer to our workers which means none of them have to lose any money and I would urge Unite to reconsider their position.”

The striking workers will voted on a 'partial deal' to end the strike today.

Speaking on Friday, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This dispute is not about greed, or increased pay. This dispute is about workers losing up to £8,000 of their pay – which for some is almost a quarter.

“Whilst after many weeks there has now been a partial deal on pay protection for a few, it still leaves these workers worrying about how they are going to pay their mortgages and rent payments in a few months’ time. For the drivers, they are still unaware what their drop in pay will be but the council have muted that this could also be around £8,000.

“Of course, these workers are in the driving seat around what they wish to accept. Indeed, there is another ballot happening by close of play on Monday. Unite backs these workers 100 per cent."