STRIKING Birmingham bin workers have voted to extend their industrial action mandate past local elections in May and into September, Unite said today.

Council refuse workers began striking last January over Birmingham city council fire-and-rehiring both loaders (former waste recycling and collection officers) and drivers onto contracts that reduce pay by up to £8,000, said the union.

Job & Talent agency staff have joined the industrial action over alleged bullying, harassment and the threat of blacklisting at the council’s refuse department.

Both sets of workers have voted to extend their industrial action mandate.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members are more determined than ever to achieve a fair settlement, and they have Unite’s unwavering support. The council needs to get back around the table now because strikes will not end until we have a fair deal for Birmingham’s bin workers.”

There have been no negotiations over ending the dispute since May last year. 

Birmingham councillor Majid Mahmood said: “This is disappointing and will be immensely frustrating for the residents of Birmingham.

“We have invited Unite on multiple occasions to make a proposal to end the strike, which we would fully and carefully consider, but they have declined to do so thus far.”