Birmingham’s bin workers, represented by Unite the Union, have voted to continue strike action, rejecting what government ministers described as a “significantly improved” offer from Birmingham City Council. The strike, which began in January 2025 and escalated to an all-out walkout on March 11, is now entering its fourth month, with no clear resolution in sight.

At the heart of the dispute is the council’s decision to scrap the Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) role—a position workers say is critical to safety on hazardous rounds. Unite argues the removal of WRCO roles could result in pay cuts of up to £8,000 per year for around 150 staff. The council, grappling with a financial crisis after declaring effective bankruptcy in 2023, disputes this figure, stating only 17 workers face a reduction of £6,000.

Why Workers Rejected the Offer

The council’s latest proposal—delivered on April 8—offered alternative roles at the same pay rate, driver training, or voluntary redundancy. However, Unite members turned it down, insisting the offer fails to address key safety and job security concerns.

“We’re not just fighting for pay; it’s about safety and respect for our work,” said one frontline worker.

Unite contends that the WRCO role is essential for safe operations and that its removal puts both workers and the public at risk. Their rejection ensures continued disruption across Birmingham, where more than 17,000 tonnes of rubbish remain uncollected.

Public Health Crisis and Daily Disruption

The strike’s impact on the city has been profound. On March 31, the council declared a major incident due to the mounting waste, citing growing concerns over public health, including rat infestations, foul odours, and a spike in fly-tipping.

Neighbourhoods such as Small Heath, Balsall Heath, and Erdington have been hit hardest. Temporary drop-off points have helped alleviate some of the backlog, but they’ve caused traffic chaos and have been described as inadequate.

“Customers avoid us because of the stench outside. It’s killing trade,” said a café owner on Reddit.

With collections reduced from 500,000 to 360,000 per week, and only 90 vehicles operating instead of the usual 200, the situation has brought day-to-day life in many communities to a near standstill.

Council vs Union: A Battle of Blame

Birmingham City Council insists its offer is fair and necessary. Council leader John Cotton said on Sky News:

“We’re keen to resolve this, but we must avoid past mistakes. Reinstating the WRCO role opens us up to further equal pay claims.”

The council maintains that 130 of 170 affected workers have already accepted new roles and that only a small minority face pay reductions. Strategic director Craig Cooper said the changes are part of a wider effort to modernise waste services and avoid a repeat of the 2023 equal pay scandal, which helped plunge the city into financial crisis.

Unite has accused the council of “scapegoating workers” for its mismanagement. General Secretary Sharon Graham said:

“Birmingham’s refuse workers shouldn’t pay for politicians’ errors.”

The union also claims the council has employed agency workers to undermine the strike—something the council denies.

“The council’s holding the city to ransom, not us,” added Unite’s Zoe Mayou in an interview with The Guardian.

Divided Public Opinion

On social media, the dispute has polarised residents. On X, one user posted:

“Bin workers deserve fair pay, but the city’s a mess—someone needs to compromise.”

Another commented:

“Unite’s right to stand firm. The council’s playing hardball with workers’ livelihoods.”

The sentiment highlights the difficult balance between supporting worker rights and the urgent need to restore basic services.

What Happens Next?

With no agreement reached, Unite warns the strike could last into summer. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has urged both sides to return to the table, and logistics experts have been deployed to aid the council’s waste response.

Lichfield District Council has offered temporary support at commercial rates, but the cost will fall on Birmingham taxpayers. The West Midlands Fire Service has also warned of potential fire risks from improperly stored waste.

Possible Paths Forward

Experts suggest several potential resolutions:

• Job re-evaluation: Create a new WRCO-equivalent role that complies with equal pay law.
• Stronger pay protection: Guarantee full pay for all affected workers for a fixed period.
• Third-party mediation: Bring in government mediators or independent arbitration.

This strike mirrors wider unrest across UK local governments struggling with austerity, equal pay liabilities, and service reform. As Birmingham’s streets continue to fill with rubbish, residents and workers alike await a breakthrough that seems no closer today than it did in January.

Stay with us for continuing coverage on Birmingham’s bin strike and other local government disputes across the UK.