Since March 11, around 350 bin workers in Birmingham have been on strike. They're protesting pay cuts of up to £8,000 per year and the removal of a key safety role in waste services.
The workers are also unhappy that the city council plans to remove an important job role called the Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO), which helps maintain safety in waste management. And that’s fair as this role is important.
Now, over 21,000 tonnes of waste are sitting in the streets. The council has even asked for military support to help clean it up. We passed through yesterday, and I couldn’t believe my eyes, rubbish bins everywhere.
I can’t believe how quickly everything falls apart when waste workers stop. One delay, and the cracks in our throwaway culture are exposed immediately.
This made me reflect: this isn’t just about pay but it’s about a society that:
Relies on constant disposal
Undervalues essential labor
We Produce more waste than we can handle
It reminded me that everything is interconnected: waste, environment, behaviours, and exploitation. It’s urging me to be more mindful of what I do.