Council accused of ‘flip-flopping’ in bin strike negotiations

Unite the Union has accused Birmingham City Council of “flip-flopping” during its negotiations to resolve the Birmingham bin strike.

Talks have ended ahead of Acas mediation next week, “with no commitment from the council to ensure pay cuts of up to £8,000 would not happen”, according to Unite.

Workers have been striking for weeks over the council’s decision to abolish the Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) role.

It said that proposals have been put forward, in line with Birmingham council leader John Cotton’s media promise that there was ‘no need for any worker to lose pay’.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “We could be in touching distance of a deal, but Birmingham City Council is again guilty of saying one thing in public and another in the negotiations.

“This flip-flopping needs to be sorted prior to the Acas negotiations next week, so the dispute can be resolved and end the uncertainty for workers and the misery for Birmingham residents.

“The threats of savage pay cuts must also now cease for drivers. Unite has put forward workable proposals. The ball is now in the council’s court.”

However, Birmingham City Council has told TheBusinessDesk.com: “Negotiations are ongoing and are positive. There has been agreement that there will be further discussions at the end of next week under the auspices of ACAS.”