Birmingham council cleaners and other workers strike

Around 20,000 of the 22,000 council workers in Birmingham walked out on strike on Tuesday, bringing many services in the city to a halt.

Those involved - many of whom were cleaners and refuse collectors - were protesting against the imposition of a new pay and grading structure, due to come into force on 1st April. Though it's designed to reduce wage inequalities, it could see some staff lose up to half their pay.

Last-ditch talks between union leaders and the council broke down late on Monday afternoon when it became obvious no agreement would be reached.

The strike action hit refuse collection services and forced the closure of 120 schools, 22 libraries and the city's museum and art gallery, as well as social services and neighbourhood offices.

An estimated 6,000 workers rallied outside the town hall to picket the council's budget-setting meeting.

"The ball is now firmly in the council's court," said Tony Rabaiotti, UNISON regional head of local government.

"Members of Birmingham City Council workforce have voted with their feet - it is now up to the council to come back to the table with some realistic proposals."

Public support for the striking workers was "superb", he said. A survey by the local paper came out three to one in their favour.

UNISON has totally rejected the pay and grading structure. "It is completely unacceptable and only increases inequalities between men and women employees of Birmingham City Council," said regional secretary Valerie Broom.

She added: "It is an absolute disgrace that Birmingham City Council is seeking to cut its wage bill while disguising this odious scheme as an attempt to bring about equality for women within the workplace."

Further strike action is planned for late February.

More than 1,500 staff at Argyll and Bute Council in western Scotland also went out on strike on the same day. The three days of selective action are part of an ongoing dispute over attempts to tear up existing agreements and impose pay cuts.

7th February 2008