The long-running dispute between refuse workers and Birmingham City Council has escalated again, as bin workers staged a fresh protest against the alleged use of agency staff.
Around 30 striking workers gathered outside the offices of employment agency Job&Talent in Birmingham, expressing anger at claims the council is relying on agency labour to maintain waste services during industrial action. The demonstration marks yet another development in a row that has lasted almost six months.
The dispute began over pay and proposed changes to job roles, which some workers argue would see positions downgraded. In response, members of a national union voted for all-out strike action earlier this year, causing prolonged disruption to waste collections across the city.
Council denies ramping up agency staff
Birmingham City Council has firmly denied increasing its reliance on agency workers. Officials insisted that the number of agency staff being used remains unchanged from before the strike.
A spokesperson reiterated that the authority had “explained on a number of occasions” its staffing arrangements, adding that waste services were being upheld through carefully prepared contingency measures.
The council also pointed to investments in a new fleet of waste vehicles, fitted with advanced safety features such as cameras to improve visibility and protect crews and members of the public. According to figures released by the council, workers have been collecting around 1,330 tonnes of kerbside waste per day — a volume reportedly higher than before the dispute began.
Breakdown in negotiations
Talks aimed at resolving the crisis collapsed last month, with the council declaring it was “walking away” from further discussions. Officials described themselves as “disappointed” but reiterated their commitment to delivering a “new and improved service” for Birmingham’s residents.
Agency response
Job&Talent, the employment agency at the centre of the protest, defended its actions. In a statement, the firm confirmed that “all staffing practices related to the three refuse depots across Birmingham are fully compliant with all applicable legislation.”
It also stressed that it remained “open to constructive dialogue with all stakeholders” and committed to “acting responsibly in supporting both members of the public and UK workers throughout this period.”
The Workers Union believes that the best way to solve disputes of this kind is through clear non-political individualised communication, constructive negotiation, and a sharp focus on resolution. Our organisation has consistently advocated a no strike policy, recognising that prolonged industrial action can leave communities vulnerable while placing unnecessary strain on working people themselves. By prioritising transparency, fairness, and safety, disputes can be settled more swiftly, ensuring that vital services such as waste collection are not compromised.
Birmingham residents caught in the middle
For the people of Birmingham, the ongoing strike remains a drawn-out saga with little certainty about its conclusion. While the council maintains that its contingency measures are effective, many workers continue to raise concerns about pay and job security.
With negotiations stalled and positions hardening, the city faces the prospect of a prolonged standoff. What remains clear is that lasting solutions can only be found when all parties commit to genuine dialogue, fairness, and constructive problem-solving.
