Bin workers vote to strike over 'downgraded' jobs

More than 350 bin workers in Birmingham have voted to strike over what a union called an attack on pay and working conditions.

Unite the Union said the move was a result of Birmingham City Council's decision to "downgrade" about 170 roles, which would cost staff affected an average of £8,000 pounds a year.

The strike comes after talks between the union and council broke down on Tuesday.

Birmingham City Council said it would do all it could to minimise disruption to residents.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the council had unexpectedly refused to delay the implementation of plans to remove Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) roles, which were designed to check health and safety requirements were followed.

The union added that the post brought safety expertise to an "often dirty and dangerous job", citing the example of the death of David Carpenter who was crushed to death while emptying bins in Coventry last year.

"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," Ms Graham said.

"Unite is totally focused on protecting the pay and safety of its members and will leave no stone unturned in resolving this dispute."

Refuse workers in Birmingham had already tolerated route changes, cuts to overtime and night-time allowances and problems caused by ageing bin lorries, the union added.

The strike is now due to take place on 6,14, 22, 30 January, 7, 10,18, 26 February, 6, 14, 25 March and 2 April.

A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: "Ensuring the safety of our employees and residents is taken extremely seriously, and health and safety is everyone's responsibility.

"We have undertaken steps to ensure Birmingham City Council colleagues affected by the change in working arrangements are supported.

"There are several options that are available to suit different personal circumstances, and of the 170 affected employees, over 130 have already opted for redeployment, driver training or voluntary redundancy.

"We have moved quickly to minimise this period of uncertainty for everyone."

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