Birmingham residents could soon see a return to normal bin collections after the city council and Unite union moved close to ending a strike that began on 6 January 2025. Around 400 refuse workers have been taking industrial action for 476 consecutive days over pay and job losses. At the height of the dispute, 21,000 tonnes of rubbish accumulated across the city.
Council leader John Cotton said an improved offer has been drawn up following negotiations and that a settlement is now "within sight". The proposed deal, according to the Mirror, includes £16,000 compensation for workers, among them drivers who were excluded from earlier offers. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the breakthrough vindicates those who took part in the strike.
The deal cannot be formally signed off until after local elections due within a fortnight. It must also be put to Unite members before any agreement is confirmed, meaning collections are not expected to return to normal immediately.
Source: The Mirror