Birmingham refuse workers, members of the Unite union, have increased their strike days to three per week as no agreement has been reached over a job role dispute.
The industrial action began in January over Birmingham City Council’s decision to abolish the Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) role – a position deemed ‘safety critical’ by Unite – resulting in pay cuts of up £8,000 for 150 council employees.
Now the action has been escalated from 4 strike days throughout January to 12 days in February and 13 days in March.
Many local residents are already struggling with excess waste. Birmingham City Council has set out some advice on what to leave out and what collections will be prioritised as recycling and bulky collections are halted.
When are the planned days of strike action?
FEBRUARY
|
MARCH
|
APRIL
|
The refuse crews will also work to rule on other days and will not work any overtime which will further impact collections.
What collections have been halted?
- Paid for Bulky Waste collections will not take place. Collections already booked will be fulfilled
- Recycling (blue lid) will not be collected. Cardboard can be neatly bundled and tied together and put out as side waste.
What collections will still happen?
- Household refuse bins (grey lid) will be collected, along with neatly presented side waste (bundled cardboard, secured black bags). This may not happen on your normal collection day, so leave bins out until collected.
- Assisted collections and clinical waste collections will continue as a priority.
- Housing blocks and homes of multiple occupation will be prioritised.
What should I do with my excess waste?
- Opening hours have been increased at Birmingham’s 5 Household Recycling Centres, so residents can take their waste and recycling. You will need to book a slot before you visit.
- Mobile Household Waste Centres will visit areas locally. See our calendar – select Category Mobile Household Waste Centre. (may be subject to change or cancellation during the strike action).
For more information or to check for any changes and updates, visit the Birmingham City Council FAQ page
