West Midlands Mayor 'fed up' of waste piling up on streets
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has urged union bosses to suspend the ongoing bin strike saying he is “fed up” of seeing the streets so filthy.
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Mr Parker has written to Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham calling for an urgent pause in the action by waste management staff at Birmingham City Council.
He said it is the ‘responsible’ thing for Unite to do, given the increasing risk of a public health emergency.
The industrial action has been ongoing since January and was triggered by a dispute between the Labour-run council and Unite over the scrapping of a certain role.
Mr Parker said: “While I know that the bin strike dispute lies between Unite and Birmingham City Council – and that I, as Mayor, hold no direct role in those negotiations – I cannot ignore the wider consequences of this strike for the communities I represent.
“So, today I have written to Unite’s General Secretary to urge a pause in the strike action.
“Just like every resident in Birmingham, I’m fed up with the waste piling up and the streets being filthy. This dispute is harming residents and businesses – the city cannot be held to ransom by such a small number of people.
“I’ve been updated regularly by the Leader of Birmingham City Council. I know that he and others at the council are working tirelessly to try and end the dispute. There is a fair offer on the table.
“I’m calling on Unite to show willing in this discussion and pause the strike so that streets can be cleaned.
“It would be a strong gesture to show that they want to be constructive and it would help avoid a public health emergency. It’s the responsible thing to do.
“Both parties must agree a deal quickly. One that improves Birmingham’s bin services, streets, avoids future equal pay liabilities and does not leave the tax payer out of pocket to the tune of hundreds of millions of pounds.”
