As Birmingham’s rubbish crisis deepens, the government has turned to military intervention in a desperate bid to restore waste collection services. Thousands of tonnes of uncollected rubbish have sparked warnings of a public health emergency.
Thousands of tonnes of rubbish have gone uncollected in Birmingham since an all-out strike by refuse workers began on March 11. The strike, which has been ongoing for a month, has prompted warnings of a public health emergency.
In 2020, Birmingham faced a severe waste management crisis due to a combination of factors.
The city's waste collection services were severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in overflowing bins and littered streets.
According to reports, over 13,000 tons of waste went uncollected during this period.
The crisis highlighted the need for improved waste management infrastructure and more efficient collection processes.
Understanding the Dispute Behind the Strike
The dispute between the Birmingham city council and the Unite union is centered around pay protection for workers who are losing up to £8,000 of their pay due to the strike. However, the council claims that only 17 workers will be affected, and they stand to lose much less than “up to £8,000” as claimed by Unite.
Government Intervention
In light of the ongoing public health risk, the government has asked for help from the army in tackling the crisis. A small number of planners will be assigned to provide temporary logistical support for a short period, with soldiers not being deployed to collect rubbish. The government has already provided staff to support the council with logistics and ensure a swift response on the ground.
Military intervention refers to a situation where one country sends its military forces into another country's territory, often with the aim of resolving conflicts or achieving strategic objectives.
This can be done unilaterally or as part of a coalition with other countries.
Military interventions can take various forms, including peacekeeping missions, humanitarian operations, and regime change efforts.
According to a study by the Brookings Institution, between 1946 and 2018, there were over 200 instances of military intervention worldwide, resulting in significant human costs and geopolitical consequences.
Labour and Unite Relations
The dispute has further strained relations between Labour and Unite. The union’s general secretary, “Sharon Graham”, has spoken out against “the constant attacks and briefings against these low-paid bin workers.” She reiterated that the dispute is not about greed or increased pay but rather about workers losing significant amounts of pay.
A Ballot on a Deal to End the Strike
A further ballot on a deal to end the strike is expected to take place on Monday. The union has put forward a wider offer, and the council must decide whether to accept it.
A labor union, commonly referred to as a trade union, is an organized group of workers who come together to negotiate with employers over wages, benefits, and working conditions.
The primary goal of a union is to promote the interests of its members and protect their rights in the workplace.
Unions often engage in collective bargaining, where they work together to reach agreements with management on issues such as pay, job security, and health insurance.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 10% of the US workforce belongs to a union, with the highest rates found in industries like transportation, utilities, and public administration.
- theguardian.com | Army planners sent in to help clear Birmingham’s rubbish
