Mark Whitehead 15 February 2019

Union refused an injunction over ongoing bin dispute

A series of one-day strikes by refuse collectors in Birmingham is set to go ahead next week after a legal challenge by the Unite union failed.

In the latest development in the long-running dispute, the union was refused an injunction saying a staff member of a certain grade must be present on all crews.

Unite argued it reached an agreement with the council in late 2017 to bring an end to a three-month strike if the 'safety critical role of the Grade 3 Leading Hands' was protected from job cuts.

Birmingham City Council, however, says the Leading Hands role no longer exists.

The judge concluded that granting the injunction would put public health and safety at risk and 'at least to some degree, even if only temporarily, make a bad situation worse'.

However he also said Unite, which is also in dispute over payments made to members of the GMB union when the previous strike was settled, was 'likely to have the better of the arguments' when the case came to full trial.

Unite assistant general secretary Howard Beckett said the decision to escalate the dispute by the staff, who are already on a work-to-rule, was 'a direct result of Birmingham council’s failure to treat our members fairly.'

'This dispute is entirely of Birmingham council’s making and it is in the council’s hands to come forward with a solution to end the discrimination experienced by Unite members.

'If they fail to do so then the city’s residents will regrettably experience further disruption to their refuse service in the coming weeks.'

But a spokesperson Birmingham council say they were 'disappointed' with the action and urged the union to continue negotiating.

'We utterly refute the allegations made and are extremely disappointed that the reasonable offer we have put forward has been rejected by Unite on behalf of their members.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Social Worker / and or AMHP

Wakefield Council
grade 10 - grade 11, career grade
Wakefield Council would like to invite you to be part of our transformational changes in social work within secondary mental health services. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Senior Social Worker - Social Care Direct x 2

Wakefield Council
£41,511.00 - £44,711.00, Grade 10, 37 hours, Permanent
Social Care Direct have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Social Worker to join our team. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Senior Social Worker - Social Care Direct

Wakefield Council
£20,755.50 - £22,355.50, Grade 10, 37 hours, Permanent
Social Care Direct have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Social Worker to join our team. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Adults Social Worker - Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£37185 - £50081 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
Register your interest here to be notified for upcoming Social Worker opportunities within Essex County Council's Adult Social Care services in Mid E England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Financial Forecasting Accountant Revenue

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Play a key role in shaping the financial future of Kensington and Chelsea.As a Financial Forecasting Accountant (Revenue), you'll sit at the heart of England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Linkedin Banner