A deal to resolve the Birmingham bin strike could be “in touching distance”, the Unite union has announced.
The action by members of Unite, which began on 11 March as part of a dispute over pay, has seen thousands of tonnes of rubbish go uncollected and warnings of a public health emergency in the city.
Talks to end the strike are to involve the conciliation service Acas for the first time, signalling an agreement could be close.
Unite secretary general Sharon Graham said that while a deal is close, “Birmingham City Council is again guilty of saying one thing in public and another in the negotiations”.
Read more: All you need to know about the bin strike dispute
“This flip flopping needs to be sorted prior to the Acas negotiations next week, so the dispute can be resolved and end the uncertainty for workers and the misery for Birmingham residents,” she added.
“The threats of savage pay cuts must also now cease for drivers. Unite has put forward workable proposals. The ball is now in the council’s court.”
More than 350 Unite union workers staged walkouts in January, before deciding to escalate into indefinite strike action in March, citing fear over further attacks on their jobs, pay and conditions.
As a result, rubbish was left piled on pavements and residents complained of a risk to public health, as rotting food attracted foxes, cockroaches and rats.
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In response, the government called in military planners to help provide logistical support to Birmingham’s council.
Communities minister Jim McMahon said on Tuesday that “significant progress” had been made in dealing with the remaining tonnes of rubbish through “a concerted effort” and with the assistance of other councils, private operators and workers.
He added that 26,000 tonnes of excess waste had been removed, and the levels were “approaching normal”.
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Before the latest round of talks today, members rejected the council’s latest offer on 14 April by 97% on 60% turnout, saying it was “totally inadequate” and did not address potential pay cuts for 200 drivers.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner visited Birmingham earlier this month and called on the union to accept a “significantly improved” deal for workers.
Content Source: news.sky.com