Agency staff who were brought in during the ongoing bin strikes in Birmingham are set to join the picket line, citing claims of bullying and harassment. The strikes, which have involved hundreds of refuse workers, began in March and focus on disputes over pay and job security. This situation prompted the Birmingham City Council to declare a “major incident.”
The strike has gained significant attention, characterized by streets filled with uncollected waste and long lines at waste collection points. According to the trade union Unite, a recent ballot revealed that 99.5% of participating workers—out of a 75% turnout from 275 workers—voted in favor of extending strike action, which could potentially last until mid-May 2026.
Concerns have also surfaced from agency staff employed by Job and Talent, who reported unsatisfactory workloads and a challenging workplace environment. A vote among 22 agency staff resulted in a decision to join the strike starting December 1. The council expressed disappointment over the unresolved dispute, noting that a small number of agency staff are involved in a separate issue with Job and Talent.
Unite leaders described the situation as an escalation in the dispute, attributing it to the treatment from both Job and Talent and the council. Various statements from the union suggest that residents may face continued disruptions from the strikes, particularly through the holiday season and upcoming local elections. The dispute originated from the council’s removal of a senior role in each bin crew, with the union advocating that this role is critical for safety.
The Birmingham City Council asserted that it has made several offers to resolve the issue, while claiming their contingency plans for waste collection remain effective. They reported collecting approximately 1,330 tonnes of kerbside waste daily, which exceeds pre-strike levels. Meanwhile, Job and Talent emphasized its commitment to worker welfare and maintaining compliance with employment laws while addressing staff concerns.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/nov/17/agency-staff-join-birmingham-bin-strike-bullying-harassment-claims