Striking refuse workers protested service cuts outside Birmingham Council House. Residents united to back their cause.
Refuse workers have been striking since January due to the removal of a key, “safety-critical” role. The strike caused waste to pile up and the cut was included in the budget being discussed. Amid council financial issues, a union officer said workers and groups united.
A resident voiced support for the bin workers emphasizing they don’t want to hold the city hostage, attributing that to a government commissioner. Many union members are also taxpayers feeling the strike’s effects. She urged people to contact their councillors due to strike plans this month.
Another union officer called the cuts devastating and spoke of the bin strike’s importance in ensuring a vital community service. Elsewhere, residents protested a day center closure, Harborne Day Centre, which helps those with disabilities and is one of four centers the council planned to shut.
One man campaigned to save Harborne, where his uncle has been for over 40 years, stating the changes are very stressful for his severely disabled uncle. He criticized the government commissioners for making many cuts and wants the council to stop wasting funds.
He doubts Harborne will stay open, stating the council is moving services quickly to five remaining centers soon. A council person said they must save costs and remaining day centers should be used fully.
He claimed people wanted more activities outside as part of a modern service approach and that everyone wanting a center can still attend. The council stated no employees must be redundant as they made a fair offer to the Unite union.
The council said the strike impacts residents and offered alternatives to some workers, including driver training and other jobs. They encourage the union to negotiate again as the council needs to transform waste collection so people deserve a better service.