The man responsible for managing Birmingham’s struggling bin services has left his post and moved to Australia, leaving behind a city in crisis and a mounting refuse dispute that shows no signs of resolution. After more than 100 days of industrial action, Birmingham remains mired in filth and frustration, with uncollected waste and festering rubbish blighting streets across the city.
Craig Cooper, who served as Birmingham City Council’s Strategic Director of City Operations, announced his departure via LinkedIn, confirming that he had emigrated to Australia after just two years in the job. His role saw him at the helm of essential city services, including waste disposal—an area that has come under intense scrutiny in recent months.
Since January, Birmingham has faced escalating industrial action by refuse workers. A series of walkouts culminated in indefinite strike action starting on March 11. The dispute centres around changes to job roles, including the removal of Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) positions. Workers claim that fire and rehire tactics have been “effectively” deployed by the council, fuelling further discontent.
The departure of Mr Cooper has amplified frustrations in a city already grappling with overflowing bins, unpleasant odours, and rodent infestations. Residents in affected areas have reported ‘apocalyptic’ scenes, as uncollected rubbish continues to pile high on the streets.
In his farewell message, Mr Cooper described his time in Birmingham as “extraordinary,” acknowledging that the role had “challenged” him. However, he made no direct reference to the refuse crisis or the impact of ongoing strike action.
“As the Executive Director City Operations, I’ve had the privilege of leading through a time of intense change and real momentum,” he said. “From complex day-to-day operations, significant large-scale capital developments to playing a key leadership role for landmark moments like the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, I’ve witnessed the very best of this city’s resilience, creativity, and community spirit.”
Mr Cooper’s next steps remain somewhat opaque. While his LinkedIn farewell hinted at involvement in Brisbane’s preparations for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, he later denied any official link. When approached for comment, Mr Cooper stated:
“It’s true I have emigrated to Australia but at this point I won’t be stating who I’m working for. You’d be wrong to state that I’m actually at present working to deliver Brisbane 2032. It’s also worth noting that the move to Australia was planned some time ago and isn’t something that happened recently.”
Prior to his latest tenure at Birmingham City Council, Mr Cooper worked on the delivery of the 2022 Commonwealth Games before a brief stint in the private sector. His return to the council in April 2023 was seen as a strategic move to stabilise city operations, but his exit now leaves a leadership vacuum at a particularly turbulent time.
The ongoing bin strike has generated widespread concern, not only about hygiene and safety, but also the broader implications for public trust in local governance. Despite the visual evidence of decline in waste management standards, official communications from the council have remained limited.
The core of the dispute centres on structural changes within the waste department. The abolition of WRCO roles and what has been described by some as covert dismissal and reinstatement policies have contributed to heightened tensions. Fire and rehire tactics—where employees are dismissed and offered re-engagement under altered terms—have long been controversial and are frequently criticised by employment rights advocates.
As the industrial action continues, Birmingham residents and local businesses are left in a precarious position. Piles of rubbish not only threaten environmental health but risk damaging the city’s reputation at a time when inward investment and civic pride are both crucial.
In contrast to Birmingham’s current turmoil, Mr Cooper’s likely relocation to Brisbane—renowned for its cleanliness and efficient urban planning—presents a stark juxtaposition. His LinkedIn post referenced the “sports culture” and “passion” he encountered on a recent visit to the Australian city, adding fuel to speculation about his future role.
For now, questions remain about leadership continuity at Birmingham City Council’s operations division and how quickly, if at all, the refuse dispute can be resolved. The Workers Union is monitoring this situation closely, as the summer heat intensifies, so too does public scrutiny and the call for transparency, resolution, and accountability.
