Birmingham's striking bin workers reject 'totally inadequate' offer

The Unite union said its members voted overwhelmingly to reject the latest deal offer, which it said still included substantial pay cuts for workers.

The ballot took place after Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and local government minister Jim McMahon urged them to return to work, saying they had been made a 'good offer'.

Mr McMahon said he was disappointed by the news, and hoped that Unite would reconsider its position.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said 200 workers would potentially see their pay cut as a result of the changes.

“For weeks, these workers have faced attacks from government and their employer pushing the lie that only a handful of workers are affected by the council’s plans to cut pay by up to £8,000.

“Instead of peddling untruths about these low paid workers and focusing on winning a media war, the Government should have taken the time to check facts and used its office to bring the council to the table in a meaningful way. 

“The rejection of the offer is no surprise as these workers simply cannot afford to take pay cuts of this magnitude to pay the price for bad decision after bad decision."

Miss Graham accused Birmingham Council of prolonging the dispute by 'moving the goalposts'.

"First it was equal pay, then it was about improving the waste service, then cost cutting," she said.

"Unite has set out simple and reasonable steps to the council to resolve these issues. It is important to remember that this dispute is not about a pay rise it is about preventing serious pay cuts."

She said the Government should call a meeting with all involved, and should consider Unite’s proposal for debt restructure at Birmingham City Council and other local authorities. 

"Workers and communities cannot continue to pay the price,” she said.

Mr McMahon said a huge effort to clear the backlog had already seen more than 12,000 tons of waste collected, and would continue at pace to protect public health while the dispute continued.

“I know this will be deeply disappointing for Birmingham residents who have already endured weeks of disruption," he said.

"There is a fair and reasonable offer on the table and I would urge Unite to end the strikes and return to talks to reach the resolution that is fair to the workers and residents of the city.”