Garbage collection resumes following strike by agency workers

Bin collection services in Birmingham, which were halted due to protests at depot sites, restarted on Tuesday. The City Council explained that Monday's delays were caused by anticipated mass pickets, as agency employees, alleging harassment, joined permanent refuse staff on the picket lines.

Collections recommenced after council vehicles were dispatched from the depots early Tuesday morning.

The industrial action began in March when Unite trade union members walked out over a dispute with Birmingham City Council concerning pay and job security. Agency workers from Job&Talent also joined the picket line in a separate conflict, with Unite reporting that the workers had voted for strike action two weeks ago citing issues of bullying, harassment, and fears of blacklisting within the council's refuse department.

Unite highlighted that agency bin drivers had been publicly ranked based on driving "performance" and displayed in the staff room at Smithfield depot, describing this as a bullying tactic. Last month, the union also claimed that managers threatened agency staff with job bans or blacklisting if they refused to cross picket lines. Approximately 40 workers were reported to be participating in the industrial action.

The recruitment agency emphasized its commitment to fully comply with employment laws.

On Tuesday, Strike Map, a trade union activist group, published a petition calling for an end to the bin strike, signed by 115 Labour Party MPs and councillors nationwide.

Henry Fowler, co-founder of Strike Map, stated: "Over the past eight months we have organised 'Megapickets', the largest picket lines for a generation, showing support for these workers. Both the residents of Birmingham and a significant number of Labour politicians want to see this strike resolved."

Birmingham City Council has been contacted for comment regarding the petition.

Author: Sophia Brooks