Birmingham’s bin strikes look set to end following a year-long pay dispute, after a new offer was made between the city council and the biggest trade union, Unite.
Council leader John Cotton announced that an end to the long-running strike is “within sight” after a breakthrough in the bitter dispute over jobs and pay.
The dispute flared over council plans to remove a role in its waste recycling and collection service, which it insisted was necessary to make improvements and bring the service in line with other local authorities.
Unite said the move would lead to pay cuts of around £8,000 for hundreds of its members, a figure the council has always disputed.
Rubbish piled up on Birmingham’s streets, leading to residents complaining about it being a health hazard. Rats described as the “size of dachshunds” were also reported, prompting fears it could result in a surge of rodent-borne diseases.
Mr Cotton said: “After months of frustration and delay, for the first time in over 12 months, a negotiated settlement to end the bin strike is now within sight.
“This has been a challenging and complex process, but after months of hard work on the principles and parameters of a deal, I believe a new, improved offer can be made and terms can be put in place that addresses the ballpark issues discussed at Acas [dispute resolution service], that Unite members can agree in order to end the strike once and for all.
“A deal that would be good for the workforce, represent good value for money and would not repeat the mistakes of the past and risk creating new structural equal pay liabilities.
“I want our workforce to be able to return to work and help us deliver the quality refuse and recycling services the people of this city deserve. That’s why, throughout this dispute, I have resisted those who would dismiss the striking workers instead of negotiating.
“I have instructed officers to move forward with negotiations so that we can bring this matter to a close.”
The breakthrough was announced just over a week before the local council elections.
No details were given about the deal.
Unite representative Onay Kasab told the BBC that there was a deal on the table, but it would have to go to the union’s members.
Last month, Unite announced it was set to cut its affiliation to the Labour Party by more than half a million pounds due to anger over its handling of the strike.
The union announced a 40 per cent reduction in its affiliation, amounting to £580,000, adding that “the actions of Labour against the Birmingham bin workers will not continue to be tolerated”.
Mr Cotton added: “Whilst the pre-election period prevents the council from making a final decision prior to May 7, a re-elected Labour administration under my leadership will work to get this deal approved as a matter of absolute priority.
“The council can then move forward and offer the people of Birmingham the services that they deserve.
“I also want to re-emphasise my absolute determination to see through the agreement reached with the council’s unions last year that will deliver the pay justice that thousands of women workers were denied under previous leaderships.
“I would like to thank the people of Birmingham for their patience during this challenging time.
“It’s now clear that whilst other parties have no plan, only Labour can end this dispute and deliver a refuse service that works for everyone in Birmingham.”
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