Bishop offers to mediate between parties to bring Birmingham bin dispute to an end
A church and community leader is offering his services as mediator in an effort to bring Birmingham's long-running bin strike to an end.
Rt Rev Desmond Jaddoo, a former union steward, said it was time to end the dispute which was having a negative impact on the lives of residents living in inner-city Birmingham areas suffering from bags of rubbish lying strewn in the streets.
His offer to city council leader John Cotton and to Unite followed a public meeting on December 5, attended by a union representative, where residents described their living conditions and the effect on their health and wellbeing.
Dr Jaddoo said: "This bin strike has been going on for far too long. At a community meeting last week after listening to Unite, the community members asked me to call a meeting inviting the city council and union round the table. We can't live like this any more in a city which is being defined by rubbish.
"Last Monday I wrote to the council and to Unite and I am still waiting for a response. I am very disappointed that I'm still waiting, therefore I have made the letter public.
"This is a call, this our city we live here, we love our city, we don't want people coming here to define what our city is because of the state that of it.It's time to get round the table. I'm quite happy to mediate. I used to be a union steward many years ago. I'm quite happy to mediate. Let's bring this to a conclusion. This is about the people of this city. This is about our children.
"We've potentially got a flu epidemic right bow. Where I'm standing in Newtown it actually smells because there is rotting rubbish. We can't have this going on in our city any more.
"Get round the table to bring this dispute to an end. It can be resolved, but you need to have the determination to do so. Tell me where, tell me when and I'll turn up and we'll meditate this to a conclusion."
The letter stated: "I write to you following a community meeting held on Friday, 5 December, at which residents from inner-city Birmingham came together to discuss the ongoing industrial dispute affecting waste collection services. A Unite negotiator was in attendance, and we wish to express our thanks for their willingness to share information and engagewith local residents.
"The clear and unanimous view of those present was that given the prolonged nature of this dispute and the proximity of the Christmas period when uncollected waste is likely to accumulate to significant levels, it is now essential that an independent local intervention be offered in the interest of the people of Birmingham.
"In response to that community mandate I wish to formally offer my services to assist in mediating between Birmingham City Council and Unite with the aim of helping both parties return to constructive dialogue. My role within the city has always been grounded in independence, community advocacy, and the promotion of fair and peaceful resolution, and I would approach this situation with the same impartiality and commitment.
"Residents have expressed deep concern about the growing impact of the dispute on public health, neighbourhood wellbeing, and social cohesion. They believe strongly that Birmingham now needs all parties to come back around the negotiating table so that a balanced and sustainable agreement may be reached without delay.
"I therefore respectfully request that both Birmingham City Council and Unite consider this offer of community-led mediation and I stand ready to meet with you at your earliest convenience should you wish to explore this further - I trust that together we can help guide this issue toward a satisfactory resolution for the benefit of all who live and work in our great city."
In response a council spokesperson said :“We have engaged in negotiations with Unite for the past 12 months and as is right and proper they have been led by professional council officers.
"Whilst we remain committed to reaching a negotiated settlement, Unite have rejected our fair and reasonable offers. Now,we are pushing on with delivering the waste service that the people of Birmingham expect and deserve.”
The action triggered over the loss of the council's Waste Recycling and Collection Officer role left residents dealing with overflowing bins and piles of rubbish during its height. The Labour-run council has insisted that a “fair and reasonable” offer had been made to bin workers.
