Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham has reacted to government criticism over the Birmingham bin strike, calling the current proposals for ending the dispute a “disgrace” and the comments made by one minister as “misguided”.
Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell stated yesterday that Unite should “absolutely step up and get back around the table to come to an accord”, adding that the city council had “a reasonable deal on the table”.
In a social media statement, Graham called Powell’s remarks “misguided”. She has called on local government secretary Angela Rayner, to become involved.
Birmingham’s local government minister Jim McMahon has been in contact with the council leaders of Birmingham to try and end the strike.
Powell said to MPs that he was just in Birmingham last weekend, visiting his in-laws’ and my husband’s family. The situation is unacceptable. It is horrible what people live with. We want it to end as soon as possible.
“I have no problem saying that the Unite trade union, which is based in the UK, must step up and return to the table to reach an agreement. I believe there is an agreement on the table, and both the union and council should reach that quickly.
In a letter sent to Angela Rayner (the local government secretary), Graham wrote: “This issue is escalating and the government can’t just sit back saying, ‘nothing has to do with us. We can’t get involved’. I want to be clear that the wages of these workers are being cut under your supervision by a Labour Council. “The current escalation looks more and more like a declaration against these workers.”
In January, the city’s rubbish collectors began intermittent strikes over the council’s plans to reduce the pay of some employees and downgrade others. On 11 March, however 400 workers went on strike indefinitely after the council hired agency staff to collect bins.
Birmingham City Council declared a major accident and accused striking refuse collectors for preventing bin trucks from leaving their depots. According to reports, the city has a serious rat and fly infestation.
Unite said that 150 workers may lose up to PS8,000 per year due to changes brought in by council. Graham continued: “I presume if PS8,000 was taken off your pay with only six months of protection, that you would accept it as a fair deal?” Take the time to learn the details before you attack Unite Members.”
The restructuring is “a vital part of our efforts to achieve financial sustainability”.
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