Birmingham’s bin workers, who have been on strike for over a year, say public opinion has shifted strongly in their favor amid ongoing pay disputes with the city council.
At a rally outside Tyseley bin depot on March 11, exactly one year since the strike began, union members expressed confidence that residents are backing their fight. Adrian Hyde, a grade two binman with 20 years’ experience, admitted early doubts over public support but now feels the situation has changed.
“At the start, we didn’t think the public was behind us,” Hyde told BirminghamLive. “Many thought we wanted a pay rise — but we only wanted to keep our existing wage.”
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Hyde revealed the emotional and financial strain of the prolonged industrial action but said the widespread backing from neighbors, friends, and family has been a vital source of strength.
He urged the public to recognize the dedication of bin workers: “We are hardworking people who love our job and enjoy serving the community. We are also Birmingham residents — we want this resolved as much as anyone.”
Another worker, Steeven Biset, has taken on part-time jobs to manage his bills but says positive messages from across the country have reinforced his resolve.
However, despite hopes for a swift resolution, talks between Birmingham City Council and Unite, the union representing the strike workers, remain deadlocked.
Unite’s national lead officer Onay Kasab criticized the council’s stance, stating the dispute could have been settled at a fraction of the £33 million spent trying to break the strike. Kasab warned the strike’s impact could influence upcoming elections but emphasized that finding a resolution should transcend political outcomes.
“It’s shambolic and frustrating,” Kasab told BirminghamLive. “The council owes residents an apology for wasting their council tax. We are ready to meet and resolve this immediately.”
Meanwhile, the council’s cabinet member for environment, Coun Majid Mahmood, acknowledged the strike had gone on “for too long” but insisted that the council’s offers had been rejected. Mahmood appealed to strikers to return to work to help restore the city’s waste service.
With no end currently in sight, the fate of Birmingham’s bin workers and the city’s rubbish collections remains uncertain as workers push for fair treatment and a settlement after a year of disruption.