Refuse strike called off

I've just been notified of the following:

A proposed agreement has today been reached between Birmingham City Council and the Trades Unions which will see the suspension of the industrial action currently affecting the city’s refuse collection services.

Subject to agreement by union membership, this means the half-day strikes which were due to take place tomorrow (Thursday 13th) and Friday (14th January) will now not take place.

The announcement follows two days of intensive talks between the two parties hosted by the City Council.

Cllr Alan Rudge, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Human Resources, said: “Following two days of very constructive talks I am delighted that we have been able to reach agreement which will see the action suspended and provide an opportunity for us to continue holding further discussions with a view to reaching a permanent solution.

“I appreciate that management and the Trades Unions have worked very hard and shown much goodwill in coming to this agreement, and on behalf of one million citizens of the city wish to offer all involved my thanks.”

Cllr Timothy Huxtable, Cabinet Member for Transportation and Regeneration, said: “With the action suspended our number one priority remains clearing any backlog and returning the service and city to normal as soon as possible.

“I would like to thank the people of Birmingham for their efforts in helping us to get through this difficult situation, and apologise for the inconvenience it has caused.”

Both the regular and casual workforces will continue to be deployed to help catch up with outstanding waste and recycling collections.