Birmingham Bin Strikes: A Tale of Unclosed Deals and Missing Offers
How the Fight Stuck in the Middle
Unite’s bin crews have been on strike for more than two months over pay and jobs. The Acas mediation board is trying to keep the peace, but talks have hit a wall. Unite says a promised timeline for an offer from Birmingham City Council is being held back by the government commissioners and the council leader – neither of whom ever sat down in the negotiation room.
Who Said “I’ll Make the Decision?”
During a recent Acas round, the council side was led by Joanne Roney, the managing director of Birmingham City Council. She assured everyone that she was the decision‑maker and would negotiate. That’s how discussions started: in good faith, with a bit of optimism.
Missing “Fair and Reasonable Offer” – WTF?
A so‑called “fair and reasonable offer” was apparently wrapped up and handed to the press by the Prime Minister, Deputy PM, and the council leader. However, Unite points out that the offer never actually existed in the first place, and the now‑promised “ballpark” figures have been blocked by government commissioners.
Inside Unite’s Letter to the Public
- Sharon Graham (Unite’s SEC) said the negotiations are a shambles – a whole lot of chaos at the council side, with the Government right in the thick of it.
- The press was led to believe a decent offer was on the table; instead, it’s a mirage that never materialised.
- Unite warns that workers are facing £8,000 in pay cuts without any mitigation. “No way that’s going to work,” they say. Until that issue is sorted out, the strikes keep rolling.
- “If Labour really cares about workers, why is the government helping to push these cuts?” Дж.
What the Council Says About the Drama
The council spokesperson insists that the city is still committed to a negotiated settlement. “We’re looking for a solution that doesn’t leave us financially or legally compromised,” they say. They also claim the narrative that the council leader and commissioners are blocking the process is false.
In short, the service needs a proper upgrade – one that the people of Birmingham actually deserve.
