Up to 200 Birmingham bin workers told jobs set to be downgraded
Driver roles are set to be downgraded from Grade 4 to Grade 3
Last updated 29th Apr 2025
Bin truck drivers in Birmingham have today been told their jobs are set to be downgraded and their pay cut by thousands of pounds a year, according to Unite the Union.
Drivers are currently classed as grade four, but we understand the role's set to be downgraded to grade three drivers.
Union leaders say the council’s decision to now cut bin lorry drivers' pay shows an escalation in the dispute which has seen refuse workers walk out over a safety critical role - leaving rubbish bags piled up and uncollected across the city.
Under the council’s plans, Unite says the pay rate of drivers will reduce from £40,000 to £32,000, a pay cut of £8,000, a fifth of their income.
Talks with conciliation service ACAS talks are due to start on Thursday
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:
“Today’s actions show clearly that Unite has been correct all along. Birmingham City Council is taking money off workers to pay off their debt to the government. Workers are again paying the price for bad decision after bad decision.
“Unite will not stand by and allow the council and this Labour government to inflict these savage pay cuts on workers. It is completely unjustified and a clear escalation of the dispute. It will not be accepted. No worker should be expected to lose these eye-watering amounts of money from their pay packet.
Last week Unite said that it believed that a deal to end the long running bin strike could be “within touching distance” provided the council did not cut the pay of drivers.
"The council’s decision to cut the pay of bin drivers, exposes public statements made by council leader John Cotton that no worker “need lose pay” as a lie. Unite is calling on John Cotton, leader of the council to be present at the ACAS talks. He can hide no longer.
The Labour government has a clear role in this dispute. The council’s financial problems are directly linked to its £3.9 billion debt, which is owned by the government. If the government restructured or reduced the debt the council would not need to cut workers’ pay."
Unite national lead officer Onay Kasab said:
“Today’s announcement makes it clear the council have been playing games. It has had no intention of resolving this dispute and protecting workers, this is all about cutting workers’ pay and plunging them into financial misery.”
Spokesperson from Birmingham City Council said:
“This fair and transparent job evaluation process, jointly agreed with trade unions, is necessary to ensure the council complies with equal pay laws. Today was the final workshop on the driver team leader’s role involving all trade unions.
"It is part of an ongoing process of quality assurance and moderation, and this is an indicative grade which is subject to further collective consultation.
"We remain committed to delivering a fair and sustainable deal for drivers and collectors and we will continue those discussions with Unite at scheduled talks later this week.”