Birmingham Refuse workers determined to win dispute

Gerard Coyne, Unite Regional Secretary

A mass meeting of Birmingham refuse workers heard messages of support for their cause at a mass meeting held at Villa Park this lunchtime.
Unite Regional Secretary Gerard Coyne said, "I am proud of the action you have taken today, you have stayed disciplined throughout the dispute and stuck it out on the picket lines despite the dreadful weather conditions."
Over 90% of the refuse workers voted to take industrial action in defence of Birmingham City Councils move to grab £4,000 from each worker. "It is not just about the money thought," continued Mr Coyne,"It is about dignity and respect - something the Council denies you through their total inability to listen to the alternative case from the trade union side".
The meeting also heard from UNISON's Graham Horne who explained that the refuse workers dispute was one of a series of attacks on the terms and conditions of City Council employees. Connexions staff were also in dispute with their action due in early January. "The so called Birmingham Contract is going to be imposed on 26,000 non education staff. It means the end of weekend and shift premiums, the end of unsocial hours payments. Some of the lowest paid staff in the council rely on theses payments including up to 1,000 Home Help staff who stand to lose £3,000 a year," said Mr Horne.
The meeting ended with the Chair, Steve Foster, outlining the next steps with a meeting scheduled with the employers for 23rd December.