[ad_1]
A major incident has been declared in Birmingham over an ongoing bin strike, which has left around 17,000 tonnes of waste on the streets of the city.
Birmingham City Council said the “regrettable” step was taken in response to public health concerns, with picket lines blocking depots and preventing waste vehicles from collecting rubbish.
Members of Unite have been on all-out strike since 11 March in a row over pay, which the union claims will leave some members of staff £8,000 worse off. A series of walkouts have also impacted refuse collections since January.
Politics latest: Follow live updates
By declaring a major incident, the council will be able to increase the availability of street cleansing and fly-tip removal with an additional 35 vehicles and crews around the city.
This action will also allow the council to explore what further support is available from neighbouring authorities and the government to assist in the management of the situation.
Council leader John Cotton said it was a “regrettable” step, but the situation was “causing harm and distress” to local people.
“I respect the right to strike and protest, however actions on the picket line must be lawful and sadly the behaviour of some now means we are seeing a significant impact on residents and the city’s environment,” he said.
Jim McMahon, the minister for local government, said the all-out strike by Unite members is causing “misery and disruption” to residents, as well as posing a “public health risk to the city’s most vulnerable and deprived”.
He said the government “stands ready” to respond to any request…
[ad_2]
