Deal to end Birmingham bin strikes 'within sight' after year of bitter negotiations
An end to the long-running Birmingham bin strike is “within sight“ after a breakthrough in the bitter dispute over jobs and pay, the council leader has announced.
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Council leader John Cotton said he believed a new offer could be made to the Unite union, whose members have been on all-out strike for more than a year.
The dispute flared over council plans to remove a role in its waste recycling and collection service which it insisted was necessary to make improvements and bring the service in line with other local authorities.
Read More: Unite union fined £265,000 over Birmingham bin strike injunction breaches
Unite said the move would lead to pay cuts of around £8,000 for hundreds of its members, a figure the council has always disputed.
Rubbish piled up on Birmingham’s streets, leading to residents complaining about it being a health hazard.
Mr Cotton said: “After months of frustration and delay, for the first time in over 12 months, a negotiated settlement to end the bin strike is now within sight.
“This has been a challenging and complex process, but after months of hard work, on the principles and parameters of a deal, I believe a new, improved offer can be made and terms can be put in place that addresses the ballpark issues discussed at Acas, that Unite members can agree in order to end the strike once and for all.
“A deal that would be good for the workforce, represent good value for money and would not repeat the mistakes of the past and risk creating new structural equal pay liabilities.
“I want our workforce to be able to return to work and help us deliver the quality refuse and recycling services the people of this city deserve. That’s why, throughout this dispute, I have resisted those who would dismiss the striking workers instead of negotiating.
“I have instructed officers to move forward with negotiations so that we can bring this matter to a close.”
The breakthrough was announced just over a week before the local council elections.
No details were given about the deal.
Mr Cotton added: “Whilst the pre-election period prevents the council from making a final decision prior to May 7, a re-elected Labour administration under my leadership will work to get this deal approved as a matter of absolute priority.
“The council can then move forward and offer the people of Birmingham the services that they deserve.
“I also want to re-emphasise my absolute determination to see through the agreement reached with the council’s unions last year that will deliver the pay justice that thousands of women workers were denied under previous leaderships.
“I would like to thank the people of Birmingham for their patience during this challenging time.
“It’s now clear that whilst other parties have no plan, only Labour can end this dispute and deliver a refuse service that works for everyone in Birmingham.”