Bin strikes in Birmingham could last until December after 97% of refuse workers voted in favour of continuing industrial action.
The vote, which had a 75% turnout, follows Birmingham City Council being granted an interim High Court injunction aimed at preventing striking waste workers from obstructing vehicles at three depot sites.
Unite has pledged to continue its action lawfully and peacefully. In a statement, the union criticised the council’s decision to pursue legal action, stating it should instead focus on delivering a fair resolution.
Commenting on the ballot, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, said: “After smearing these workers in public since January and telling them to accept a fair and reasonable offer that never existed, the council finally put a proposal in writing last week.
The decision makers at Birmingham council need to get in the room and put forward an acceptable offer.
“The decision makers at Birmingham council need to get in the room and put forward an acceptable offer.
“Unite will not allow these workers to be financially ruined – the strikes will continue for as long as it takes. Unite calls on the decision makers to let common sense prevail in upcoming negotiations.”
Bin workers have been on strike since January over the council’s decision to remove Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) roles.
Unite said staff performing the “safety-critical” WRCO role will lose around £8,000 a year if the plans are implemented.
The figure is disputed by the authority with an official in the council telling Circular Online that claims that 150 people could lose £8,000 a year in pay are “incorrect”.
