THOUSANDS of people across Britain will join a “megapicket” today to show solidarity with striking refuse workers in Birmingham.

The industrial action, which has now entered its fifth month, initially began over the council’s decision to axe a key waste recycling role.

Unite, which represents the workers, argued that cutting it would slash pay for 150 of its members.

After weeks of indefinite strikes, the union said it believed a deal to end the dispute could be “within touching distance” provided the council did not cut the pay of drivers.

But just two days before planned talks last Thursday, about 200 drivers were told their jobs could be regraded as part of an equal pay-related review and evaluation exercise. Unite said the plans would cut pay by up to £8,000 a year. 

Talks are ongoing, although not through Acas. 

Speaking to Strike Map, which helped organise the mass picket, bin worker Adrian said that the impact of planned cuts “pretty much puts me and my family on the streets.”

The megapicket, co-ordinated alongside We Demand Change and the Peace and Justice Project, will start from 6am at the Lifford Lane Depot.

Coaches will arrive from all over the country, including Oxfordshire, Bristol, Leeds and London.

Strike Map co-founder Henry Fowler said: “In just one day we raised £1,000 for the Brum Bin Strikers from selling pin badges.

“After selling another 1,000, we visited the picket line a few weeks ago. 

”It was clear that although money is essential, the support of our movement to defy these cuts from the council, backed up by this government, is critical.

”The Brum Bin Strikers need to know we are all behind them, and that is why we have organised the megapicket.”

The action has been backed by 20 national trade unions, local trade unions and community groups.

Mick Whelan, general secretary of train drivers’ union Aslef, said: “Workers have borne the brunt of austerity, an extreme cost-of-living crisis and a historic decline in living standards. 

“The Labour Party was elected to improve workers’ lives, this means improving pay, conditions and opportunity. These cuts damage society and we urge Birmingham City Council to drop these plans immediately.”

Explaining his union’s support, Steve Wright, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), said: “We know the damage of cutting pay and conditions, and the impact it has on public services.

”We need central government to support local government in rebuilding our services and empowering our communities.

“Last Thursday’s election results show people want a radical change – and it’s time we saw this delivered from this new Labour government, or they face electoral oblivion.”

The trade unionists are due to speak at the picket alongside NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede, Unite’s Onay Kasab, Gawain Little from the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) and Nina Barbosa from NHS Workers Say No.

Former Birmingham City councillor Salma Yaqoob said: “We have seen first-hand during this strike their importance in keeping our communities clean. 

“This cut from a Labour council, backed by a Labour government, is a disgrace and the residents of Birmingham know this, and that is why they are backing the bin strikers.”

A Birmingham Council spokesperson said: “Everyone has a right to protest, which we respect, but people also have a right to work unhindered. 

“We would ask that all involved remember their responsibilities and show respect for colleagues that choose to work, as well as nearby residents.”