Ellie Ames 16 August 2024

Birmingham slated over pay cut plans

Birmingham slated over pay cut plans image
Image: 4kclips / Shutterstock.com

A union has slammed cash-strapped Birmingham City Council over plans to cut the salaries of refuse workers.

Birmingham is set to consult on restructuring its waste operations, including on plans to remove the role of waste recycling and collection officer (WRCO).

Unite warned that the staff could strike over the proposals, which would see them lose an average of £8,000 a year.

Most of the 150 WRCOs have worked for the council for more than 30 years and bring ‘significant safety expertise to an often dirty and dangerous job’, the union added.

It said refuse workers had tolerated route changes, cuts to overtime and night-time allowances, and problems caused by aging bin lorries since Birmingham issued a section 114 notice last September.

Unite regional officer Lee Wiggetts-Clinton said: ‘Birmingham’s refuse workers are sick and tired of being scapegoats for a crisis that was caused by politicians.

‘They have already made major sacrifices since the council’s financial crisis unfolded to keep services running, even as their jobs have been consistently attacked.’

A council spokesperson said: ‘We can confirm that Birmingham City Council has initiated conversations with the trade unions ahead of consultation as part of the drive to create a modern, sustainable and consistently reliable waste collection service.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
up to £165,000
Ebbsfleet is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, a 21st-century Garden City Ebbsfleet, Kent
Recuriter: Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

Planning Support Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £34359 per annum
Keep our planning service running smoothly, supporting the team that shapes the future of our borough.As a Planning Support Officer, you'll play a vit England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Change Communications Lead

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£42,839-£48,226
Having come out of government intervention after two years in 2024 Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Finance Officer - Debt Collection

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Finance Officer - Debt CollectionPermanent, Full Time£25,081 to £27,653 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Highways Project Engineer

North Yorkshire Council
£31,537 to £42,839 per annum
We hybrid work with a mixture of working from home and from our offices, however your role will take you out and about Whitby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner