Birmingham bin strike: Council urges fresh talks after more than a year of disruption
Leader John Cotton says a deal must reflect financial limits as workers continue action over pay and role changes
Last updated 20th Mar 2026
Industrial action has been continuing for more than a year, with disruption to waste collection services across the city.
In a statement, council leader John Cotton said the authority had already reached out to the union in an attempt to end the stalemate.
“The people of Birmingham want this resolved and the workers want to return to work,” he said.
He added he wants to “get round the table with Unite as soon as possible”, but said the union needs to be “realistic”.
Mr Cotton said he has consistently pushed for a negotiated settlement, but stressed any agreement must reflect the council’s position.
“We cannot undo the progress made on fair pay and grading for all workers, and we must transform the way this service works,” he said.
He said the council has offered “pay protection, new roles and training opportunities”, adding it does not want people to lose their jobs.
“My message to the waste workforce is simple. We want you to join us in delivering a new, better service for the people of Birmingham,” he said.
He added: “The only way that we get through this will be for your union to agree a deal.”
The dispute centres on changes to the waste collection service and has led to ongoing strike action by bin workers since last year.