Furious refuse workers and street sweepers reject Birmingham city
council's offer
10 February 2011
Unite has described the month long talks with Birmingham city
council as a 'pointless sham' following a mass meeting this morning
where refuse collectors and street sweepers angrily rejected the
council's latest offer.
95 percent of the 500 workers present rejected the latest offer.
Unite believes that the council has been using delaying tactics
rather than genuinely attempting to reach agreement. The joint
trade unions, GMB, Ucatt, Unite and Unison have invited management
to further talks to resolve the dispute. The unions will consider
any further action depending on the council's response.
On 12 January strikes by refuse collectors in Birmingham were
called-off following peace talks. It was agreed that talks would
continue with a view to recommending a successful conclusion to the
dispute subject to agreement by both sides and a membership
vote.
The dispute is over an equal pay review by the council which
means workers will lose up to £4,000 a year. Unite believes that
Birmingham city council's latest offer amounts to little more than
a list of cuts together with some overtime which isn't even
guaranteed.
Unite regional secretary, Gerard Coyne, said: "Some bright spark
at the council seems to think wasting taxpayers’ money by
pretending to negotiate for a month is a good tactic. Had the
council been serious this dispute could be over. The unions are now
giving the council another chance to get real before we give
consideration to further action.
"Unite called-off industrial action and entered into talks with
the council in good faith, believing it was serious about reaching
deal. It's now obvious that the Tory-Liberal coalition was
cynically using delaying tactics and this whole process has turned
into a sham."
Unison assistant general secretary, Roger McKenzie, said: "The
workforce is frustrated and feelings are running high. At a time of
economic uncertainty and unprecedented public spending cuts,
members feel like they are not being treated with respect.
"Unison wants to work, in good faith, towards a fair,
equality-proofed settlement. I still remain optimistic that a deal
can be struck and urge the council to listen to its workforce and
return to the negotiating table."
ENDS
Contact: Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315
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