'We will be back again and again - until these workers win' - Fresh 'mega picket' in support of striking Birmingham bin workers
Refuse collections in Birmingham were suspended on Friday as a fresh union demonstration was held in support of bin workers involved in a long-running dispute over pay.
Members of Unite have been taking industrial action for over a year and launched an all-out strike last March in protest over planned reforms to the refuse collection service which the union says will lead to pay cuts.
The council is pressing ahead with the reforms, which it says are needed to improve the service.
A so-called mega picket was held on Friday, attended by trade unionists from across the country, including a number of general secretaries.
The council told residents: “Due to expected disruption across all our depots because of the announced ‘mega-picket’ we have decided to suspend collections today.
“We are sorry for the inconvenience and aim to catch up across the weekend. If your collection is scheduled for today please leave your bin out and we will collect as soon as possible.”
The website Strike Map, which organised today’s demonstration, said it was supported by more than 30 organisations.
Strike Map co-founder Henry Fowler said: “Our megapickets are growing with every action we take. This strike has united three political parties, the labour movement and the people of Birmingham in condemning the cuts imposed by this Council and its Commissioners.
“We want to be absolutely clear: we will be back again, and again, and again, until these workers win. We stand with the Birmingham bin strikers.”
Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright said: “The FBU will continue to support Birmingham’s refuse workers, and as a Labour Party affiliate we are calling on the Prime Minister to end this long-running dispute.”
