Refuse workers could strike over downgrade plan

Unite the Union said it would not stand by and allow refuse workers’ pay, terms or conditions to be "attacked" by the council

Refuse collectors could go on strike in Birmingham over what a union called an attack on pay and terms and conditions.

Unite the union said workers would be consulted if the council did not scrap plans to downgrade and cut the pay of "safety critical" waste recycling and collection officer roles.

It said there were plans to "downgrade" about 150 roles, which would cost staff affected an average of £8,000 pounds a year.

Birmingham City Council said it had started talking to trade unions as part of “a drive to create a modern, sustainable and consistently reliable service.”

Lee Wiggetts-Clinton, Unite's West Midlands regional officer, said this included proposals to remove the Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) roles, which were designed to check health and safety elements were adhered to.

The union said the role brought "significant safety expertise" to an "often dirty and dangerous job" as exemplified by the death of David Carpenter who was crushed to death while collecting bins in Coventry in January 2023.

"When the vehicles are loaded up, the idea is that they have to make sure the crew is working correctly to ensure that the correct materials are being put on the back of the vehicles," Mr Wiggetts-Clinton said.

"As always we're open to speak to the employer to try and find resolution if possible but for me, it's clear cut, that if you want to prevent any disruption, or likely disruption, then they need to reconsider that role."

Refuse workers in Birmingham had tolerated route changes, cuts to overtime and nighttime allowances and problems caused by ageing bin lorries, the union added.

Mr Wiggetts-Clinton said that a strike would have a "massive impact" on the city, but the union needed to defend members jobs.