Birmingham City Council has been granted an interim High Court injunction aimed at preventing striking waste workers from obstructing vehicles at three depot sites, in a move to stabilise waste collection services disrupted by ongoing industrial action.
The injunction, effective until at least 29 May, outlines restrictions on strike-related activities amid what the council describes as “unlawful” disruption tied to indefinite industrial action by members of the Unite union.
The dispute centres on the council’s proposal to restructure waste services, including the removal of the Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) role, which Unite says could result in pay cuts of up to £8,000 for 150 staff.
The council has disputed both figures and the scope of affected employees, citing severe financial pressures as the driver behind the changes.
According to the council, the strike has resulted in around 12,800 tonnes of waste accumulating on Birmingham streets.
It claims the withdrawal of Section 14 police support under the Public Order Act, following a recent High Court ruling, limited its ability to maintain depot operations during the strike.
Council officials say the injunction is necessary to protect public health and prevent further service disruption, following failed attempts to secure compliance through negotiation. “This is not something we wanted to do,” a spokesperson said, “but the health and safety of Birmingham residents must come first.”
The authority said it continues to engage with Unite but has taken legal steps after assurances about picket conduct and vehicle access were, in its view, not upheld. The council also confirmed it is working to resume recycling collections, which were suspended to prioritise residual waste removal during the strike.
This is not something we wanted to do, but the health and safety of Birmingham residents must come first.
Unite has pledged to continue its action lawfully and peacefully. In a statement, the union criticised the council’s decision to pursue legal action, stating it should instead focus on delivering a fair resolution.
Unite also cited polling of 900 local residents, claiming two-thirds were dissatisfied with the council’s handling of the dispute.
General Secretary Sharon Graham described the proposed changes as “abhorrent,” warning they risk long-term damage to the reputation of the council and its leadership.
Meanwhile, local Conservative councillors have called for a breakdown of strike-related costs and raised concerns over public health risks from uncollected waste.