Birmingham Bin Strike: Army Logistics Joins Rubbish Battle as Resolution Remains Elusive

Birmingham's ongoing month-long bin strike has prompted the deployment of army logistics specialists to help manage the city's mounting waste problem. The accumulation of thousands of tonnes of uncollected rubbish, a consequence of the Unite union's strike that began on March 11th, led the city council to declare a major incident.

Following a government request, a small team of military planners will provide short-term logistical support, although they will not be involved in collecting bins. This move aims to bolster the council's response to escalating public health risks associated with the un-collected waste. The government noted this builds on existing support, such as extended hours at household waste recycling centres.

Meanwhile, striking refuse workers are scheduled to vote on a "partial deal" on Monday. Unite's national lead officer, Onay Kasab, previously described the offer as "deficient," emphasizing that the final decision rests with the union members. The specifics of the proposed agreement remain undisclosed.

Initial offers of assistance from neighboring local authorities were made, but some, like Walsall Council, have since been withdrawn due to perceived inaction. Birmingham City Council expressed gratitude for all offers of support, stating their decisions on accepting aid were based on what best served the city's residents as they work to clear the backlog.

The council is facing criticism for simultaneously advancing plans to switch to fortnightly bin collections while the strike continues. The distribution of leaflets detailing the new system – involving separate bins for recycling (fortnightly), food (weekly), and general waste (fortnightly on alternating weeks) – has been described by former councillor Martin Mullaney as "politically insensitive" given the current disruption.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner had urged striking workers to accept a "significantly improved" offer to resolve the dispute. However, Unite's General Secretary Sharon Graham indicated that the deal offered limited pay protection, leaving the decision with the striking workforce.

Birmingham City Council, run by Labour, declared a major incident at the end of March, estimating that 17,000 tonnes of rubbish had accumulated in the first four weeks of the strike.

Source: BBC.CO.UK