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Birmingham council takes action against union ‘for breaching court order’ over bin strike

Birmingham council has applied for contempt of court proceedings against Unite over the long-running bin strike.

By Alan Jones
Published

The council said it had “persistent evidence” of a breach of a court order previously agreed with Unite.

Union members have been on all-out strike since March in a bitter dispute over pay.

A city council spokesperson said: “We are taking this step to ensure the safety of our city and the safety of our workforce, including those who are on strike.

“Our injunction prevents the blocking of our refuse collection vehicles, both at our depots and on the streets. Despite writing repeatedly to Unite for several weeks to highlight what we believe to be clear breaches of the injunction the situation has worsened.

Bin bags piled high on a Birmingham street.
Bin bags piled high on a Birmingham street.

“Since the injunction was granted, vehicles have been blockaded on roads to and from our depots, with Unite representatives and members stepping in front of, and even leaning against, moving heavy vehicles and blocking road junctions.

“This is dangerous and a serious health and safety risk for the public, the protesters and our workers as well as causing delays to waste collections and to traffic around the city.

“We have said all along that we support the right to peaceful protest and picketing and nothing in our court application today prevents or restricts that or prevents anybody from going on strike.

Rubbish still piled up on the streets of Birmingham following six months of bin strikes.
Rubbish still piled up on the streets of Birmingham following six months of bin strikes.

“The injunction has ordered Unite to ensure all pickets and protests are done safely and lawfully. However nearly every day Unite representatives are blocking roads, slow walking in front of vehicles and abusing our workforce.

“We will now go to court to ensure the safety of all involved and that the terms of the injunction – which has been agreed to by Unite – is adhered to.”

A Unite spokesperson said: “Unite has received notice late today that Birmingham council has applied for contempt of court relating to the injunction which was issued some weeks ago.

A dumped mattress in Birmingham after six months of bin strikes.
A dumped mattress in Birmingham after six months of bin strikes.

“Since then, Unite has worked with our members and reps to ensure that there has been compliance with the court order.

“The court application is the latest distraction from the real task of resolving the ongoing dispute.

“The court papers will be subject to a careful review and the interests of Unite and our members will be fully represented at any future hearing.”