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.’
