Birmingham bin strike talks break down over pay dispute

Union leaders accuse council chiefs of lying

Talks to end the long-running Birmingham bin strike have hit a roadblock after union leaders accused council chiefs of lying over pay. Unite claims that the guarantees offered to refuse workers were not supported by written agreements.

Rotting rubbish piles up as negotiations stall

Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton revealed that 18,000 tons of waste have been collected this month, emphasizing that normal bin rounds will only resume once the strike is resolved. The dispute has led to 22,000 tons of waste accumulating on the city's streets, with negotiations now paused until after the Easter break.

Accusations of misinformation

Only 41 waste recycling collection officers are reportedly still holding out over the proposed changes to their roles. A Unite spokesman criticized the council for not putting their promises in writing, alleging that they are misleading the public about the terms of the offer. Council leader John Cotton has been urged to clarify the situation.