Unite the Union is preparing a legal challenge against a High Court injunction that restricts striking bin workers in Birmingham from delaying refuse trucks at city depots.
The interim order, granted on 23 May, followed reported disruptions caused by the ongoing Birmingham bin strike. Unite stated it had no opportunity to present its arguments before the injunction was issued and is now collecting evidence to appeal the decision in court.
Union claims lack of notice in court ruling
In a statement, Unite criticised the lack of proper notice regarding the court hearing, which it said deprived the union of a fair chance to respond. “We believe the injunction should not have been granted under these circumstances,” a spokesperson said, adding that legal advice is being sought ahead of a potential review.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to lawful and peaceful protest, saying members will continue to picket without violating the law.
Council seeks to maintain depot access
Birmingham City Council requested the injunction to remain in place indefinitely, arguing it was necessary to allow workers and agency staff to “freely leave depots” and carry out waste collection duties. The Labour-run authority reported a growing backlog of rubbish, estimated at 12,800 tonnes as of 23 May, due to strike-related disruptions.
The council said the agreed court order ensures picketing can happen “within the confines of the law” and welcomed Unite’s decision not to contest its continuation — for now.
Strike continues amid pay and driver wage dispute
Industrial action by Unite members began on 11 March over pay disagreements. The dispute has since expanded to include demands over bin lorry drivers’ wages. Negotiations involving the council, Unite, and the arbitration service Acas have yet to yield a breakthrough. A pay offer made by the council on 7 April was rejected by the union a week later.
Peaceful picketing continues at Tyseley depot
Despite the legal restrictions, picketing has continued in a peaceful manner. On Thursday morning, striking workers at the Tyseley depot allowed waste trucks operated by agency staff to leave. Around 40 Unite members demonstrated on the roadside, speaking with drivers about the reasons behind the strike.
“There’s no threats, no intimidation,” said one worker named Steve. “It’s their choice whether to stop and talk or drive straight through.”
Another protester, Wayne Bishop, admitted the strike was affecting him financially but said he was determined to continue with support from friends and family.
The council has deployed all available refuse collection vehicles across its three main depots in an effort to reduce the waste backlog.
