Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
The negotiations surrounding Birmingham’s ongoing bin strike have hit a standstill, as the council leader has declared that the authority is stepping away from the talks. Since May, conciliation service Acas has been attempting to mediate in the discussions, but leader John Cotton announced that the council has reached its limit in terms of what it can offer. Massive piles of rubbish have accumulated throughout the city ever since bin collection workers initiated their walkout in January, escalating to a full strike by March.
Cotton stated that the council had negotiated in good faith, but the union, which has yet to comment on the matter, has rejected all proposals put forth by the authority. He also revealed that the council plans to move forward with addressing equal pay issues and implementing necessary improvements to the waste service. This proposal involves the elimination of waste service staff positions, although voluntary redundancy options remain available, along with opportunities for training and redeployment within the council.
The union’s decision to strike was triggered by claims that the council’s elimination of Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) roles would result in 170 workers losing up to £8,000 annually. Unite union boss Sharon Graham criticized the regrading of bin workers, denouncing it as a form of “fire and rehire.” The council has countered these claims, asserting that fewer than 170 workers would face pay cuts under their proposals. Despite the ongoing standoff, the council emphasizes its commitment to providing essential services and enhancing the city’s waste management system.
While the strike persists, contingency bin collections will continue, with efforts underway to resume recycling and green waste collections. The council’s Conservative opposition leader, Robert Alden, stresses the urgency of restoring the refuse service to functioning order, emphasizing the need for clear deadlines in negotiations. Cotton remains open to productive discussions with Unite, prioritizing the city’s residents and the necessity of an effective waste management system. The council aims to improve Birmingham’s recycling rate, currently one of the lowest among unitary authorities in the country. Failure to meet the government’s recycling targets could result in a reduction in grant funding for the city
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.