'I live on Sandwell's border with Birmingham and the bin strikes have been hell - from rodents in the walls, rubbish piled high and flytipping door knocks'
On March 11, 2025, Unite the Union made Birmingham's bin strikes all-out and indefinite - and while I don't live in a house under Birmingham City Council, the last year has still been a nightmare.
I live in a border area in Great Barr, which falls under Sandwell Council, which means the bins at my property have been getting collected regularly.
But unfortunately for me and the residents around me... the bin strikes have hit mere metres away down the street.
Birmingham's bin strike began with initial walkouts on January 6, 2025. But the strike was made indefinite by Unite union members on March 11, 2025.
The dispute arose over planned changes to roles and pay, with workers fearing significant pay cuts - and I do agree that the workers have the right to protect their incomes, especially as the cost of living continues to rise.
Striking workers have claimed they face a pay cut of £8,000 – the council disputes this figure and insists that a fair offer had been made before negotiations came to an end last summer.
That being said - I wish the Council would find a solution acceptable to workers as Unite the Union members have voted to extend their industrial action into September 2026 just weeks ago, as Birmingham residents may be struggling with the impact but so are the residents in border towns.
I, for one, have had a nightmare - from walking down streets piled high with bin bags to flytipping near by and rodents coming into my home.
The Furry Home Invaders
I never knew what my worst nightmare looked like until I was left too scared to sit in my living room.
One night in May 2025, my partner and I were sitting watching TV together and he saw something move along the wall out the corner of his eye and go under the stairs. I was oblivious and was adamant there was nothing there... and I wish it stayed that way.
