Fears are growing that Birmingham-style bin strikes could spread to London and other parts of the UK.
Clare Keogh, the national officer for local government at the Unite union, has warned of the “massive potential” for the situation to escalate “up and down the country,” as the rubbish collection strike has caused bin bags to pile up and rats to scurry through the streets.
She said union members were angry at Birmingham City Council’s refusal to back down in the dispute.
Now, there is a growing risk of strikes spreading across the country, including London, with additional ballots for industrial action under consideration in other areas.
The Times is reporting that Barnet Council, in north London, is among a few areas facing claims over structural pay differences in roles carried out mainly by women and those staffed predominantly by men.
Government sources reportedly told the paper that while circumstances in Birmingham are “extreme” and “unique”, there are concerns that pay disputes across the country could push local authorities to review their salary structures and open the door to more action.
Another strike involving Unite refuse workers, which has led to recycling sites being closed, is continuing in Sheffield.
Ms Keogh told the i Paper: “In Birmingham and many other councils we’ve seen over the last few years, our members have been prepared to walk out, saying ‘this just isn’t good enough and we’re not going to take any more cuts.
“That anger is growing and we’re seeing that in the increasing number of strike ballots that we’re taking forward.
“I think if the Government doesn’t get a grip on it, that will definitely escalate.”
It comes as Health Secretary Wes Streeting today raised concerns about the public health situation in the city.
Members of the Unite union launched an all-out strike last month over pay and jobs which has led to tonnes of black bin bags not being collected.
Residents have been left in dire conditions, with photos revealing streets overflowing with waste as picket lines barricade bin lorry depots.
“As the bin bags are piling up, we see rats and other vermin crawling around,” Mr Streeting said. “That’s not good for public health. I think this dispute has escalated way out of hand.”
Birmingham City Council has declared a major incident, with 17,000 tonnes of rubbish lying uncollected on its streets.
Mr Streeting also condemned the blocking of bin lorries from leaving depots, labelling the action “totally unacceptable”.
“I understand industrial disputes happen. I understand people have the right to withdraw their labour. That’s part and parcel of industrial relations in our country,” he added.
“But what is not acceptable is allowing these sorts of unsanitary conditions to occur on people’s streets.
“I’m urging Unite to do the right thing, stop blocking the bin lorries, and allow people to get out there and clean the streets for the people of Birmingham who suffered for far too long.”
