Overflowing bins, a growing waste backlog, and rising tensions across Birmingham. As the strike continues, firefighters show support for workers, while Lichfield steps in to help.
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00:00Birmingham's bin strikes have left entire streets swamped in rubbish, sparking safety
00:05concerns and frustration across the city. But what began as an employment dispute is
00:11now a political standoff and it's growing. The rouse centres on council plans to scrap
00:17a role in the refuse team, which the union size would leave workers facing lower pay.
00:23Unite claims the job cut would force staff close to minimum wage levels, while the council
00:28insists no worker will lose money, describing the offer as fair.
00:33With bins uncollected for weeks and waste piling up over a thousand tonnes each week, the city
00:38council declared a major incident. Temporary drop off points have been set up, but some
00:44saw queues stretching over a mile. Residents say they are fed up.
00:49And now firefighters have entered the debate, not to lend a hand but to show solidarity with
00:54striking workers. The fire brigade's union says members will not break strikes, branding
00:59the idea that fire crews should step in clueless. The union says its members are trade unionists,
01:06not strike breakers. Despite suggestions from some that the army could be brought in, both
01:12the council and the government have played this down. Instead support is coming from closer
01:17to home. Lichfield District Council has agreed to send crews, but at a commercial right.
01:23They will be clearing a backlog, not doing everyday rounds and Lichfield's leadership says local
01:29taxpayers won't pick up the tab. Talks between the union and the council are ongoing, both
01:35sides say they want a resolution. But with waste still mounting, pressure is growing, not
01:41just on the streets, but on those in charge.