Over 300 refuse workers in Birmingham have announced they will begin two days of strike action a week in an escalation of the ongoing industrial dispute with the council.

Unite said the decision to carry out regular strikes, beginning on 19 February, was in response to a payment the council made to workers who did not participate in the three-month walkout in 2017.

The union argued during negotiations at the conciliation service Acas that their members have been discriminated against because of their choice of union

They also said their members were being penalised because they have taken lawful industrial action.

‘The decision to escalate the dispute and begin strike action is a direct result of Birmingham council’s failure to treat our members fairly,’ said Unite assistant general secretary Howard Beckett.

‘Rather than settle this dispute and end the discrimination the council has instead chosen to try to utilise anti-trade union laws and is penalising workers who have been taking industrial action by denying them their holiday requests.

‘Unite’s members have taken the decision to move to full strike action as a last resort due to the council’s refusal to make a fair offer to resolve this dispute.’

The 2017 walk out was over Birmingham City Council’s restructuring plans. The council said the changes would save the authority £5m a year, while Unite argued it threatened jobs.

Birmingham City Council has been contacted for a response. ?