Published 3 days ago • loading... • Updated 11 hours ago

Union Accuses Government Commissioners of ‘Sabotaging’ Bin-Strike Talks

The Birmingham bin workers’ strike over pay and jobs has continued for over two months amid stalled talks since May 1, 2025.
The dispute escalated as Unite accused government commissioners, appointed by the Conservative government, and the council leader of blocking a fair pay offer.
Talks mediated by Acas have failed to produce an agreement while rubbish accumulates in Birmingham, with voluntary redundancy offers being made amid ongoing service redesigns.
Sharon Graham, the head of Unite, criticized the handling of talks in this conflict, pointing to the government’s central involvement and describing the process as disorganized. She emphasized that workers cannot bear pay reductions as high as £8,000.
The union vowed to continue strikes until pay cut concerns are resolved, while the council denies blocking talks and remains committed to finding a financially viable solution.

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World Socialist Web Site

Far Left

Unite’s Sharon Graham admits ACAS talks over Birmingham bin strike were a fraud

Defiant pickets of loaders and refuse truck drivers have continued to face a strike breaking operation involving which has involved drafting agency workers in as a substitute workforce and support from private contractors and neighbouring councils.

11 hours ago·United States

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LBC

Lean Right

Union says Birmingham bin strike talks being ‘sabotaged’ as workers threaten to ‘strike for rest of year’

The union at the centre of the long-running Birmingham bin strike has accused Government commissioners of "sabotaging" talks aimed at resolving the dispute.

3 days ago·London, United Kingdom

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Birmingham Mail

Center

Birmingham bin drivers offered voluntary redundancy 'in attempt to break strike' - Birmingham Live

Birmingham City Council said a 'large number of expressions of interest' had been received from bin workers with offers now being issued

3 days ago·Birmingham, United Kingdom

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Sky News UK

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Birmingham bin strike: Talks to end walkout are being 'sabotaged', union claims

The Unite union is accusing the government and city council of blocking offers to end the dispute from being made - allegations that both have denied.

3 days ago·United Kingdom

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