Union hits again at Angela Rayner in row over Birmingham bin strikes | Politics | News | EUROtoday

Unite’s boss hit again at Angela Rayner after she pleaded with the union to finish the Birmingham bin strikes. Members of the Unite union launched the stroll out final month in a bitter dispute over pay and jobs, which has led to garbage piling up within the streets.

Ms Rayner, who’s Deputy Prime Minister and Communities Secretary, urged the union to simply accept Birmingham City Council’s newest supply and cease inflicting “misery” for residents. But Unite common secretary Sharon Graham stated Labour’s “attacks” on bin staff had been “frankly a disgrace”.

She stated: “Whilst it is helpful that the Government finally realised after weeks that they have a role in this dispute, the constant attacks and briefings against these low-paid bin workers is frankly a disgrace.

“It is necessary to reiterate the reality, versus the lies being peddled in an try and distract.

“This dispute is not about greed, or increased pay. This dispute is about workers losing up to £8,000 of their pay – which for some is almost a quarter.

“Whilst after many weeks there has now been a partial deal on pay safety for a couple of, it nonetheless leaves these staff worrying about how they’ll pay their mortgages and lease funds in a couple of months’ time. For the drivers, they’re nonetheless unaware what their drop in pay might be however the council have mooted that this is also round £8,000.

“Of course, these workers are in the driving seat around what they wish to accept. Indeed, there is another ballot happening by close of play on Monday. Unite backs these workers 100%.

“Rather than vilifying their low-paid workers, the council ought to look critically on the KC-approved supply that Unite has put ahead, which offers with the problems and offers these staff and their households dignity and safety.

“A notable point was made by one of our members, which Unite believes sums up where we are with this council and could be with others: ‘The council are saying that we should share the pain but not one councillor, including the leader of the council, has been asked to give up a quarter of their pay. We thought when Labour came in they would stop what was happening, we were wrong’.”

Ms Rayner and native authorities minister Jim McMahon visited Birmingham as we speak to satisfy workers concerned in clearing the backlog and volunteers clearing up their space.

The Communities Secretary stated: “The people of Birmingham are our first priority – this dispute is causing misery and disruption to residents and the backlog must be dealt with quickly to address public health risks.

“My division is working with Birmingham City Council to assist its response to speed up clearing the backlog and quickly enhance the scenario on the bottom.

“Neighbouring authorities are providing additional vehicles and crews, and we are providing logistical support.

“I’ve pressed either side to barter at tempo to urgently discover a decision.

“There is now a better offer on the table and I would urge Unite to suspend the action and accept the improved deal so we achieve fairness for both workers and residents of this city.”