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Strikes suspended in Birmingham dispute

Unions have agreed to suspend strikes planned for tomorrow (February 26) after council bosses agreed to fresh talks.

The second 24 hour strike had been called in due to a bitter dispute over pay and conditions. Which was caused when the council decided to impose new contracts on over 20,000 of its workers. The new contracts meant that many workers were set to be thousands of pounds worse off.

Talks on the dispute will now take place over the next two weeks. Although strike action has been suspended, if a satisfactory deal cannot be reached, industrial action is set to resume.

Steve Murphy, the regional secretary for UCATT Midlands, said: “Thankfully Birmingham council bosses have seen sense and are willing to hold talks. Why they couldn’t do this months ago, is a mystery. It is essential that this matter is resolved in the next fortnight and the council does not use the offer of talks as a delaying tactic.”

The other unions involved in the dispute are GMB, UNISON and UNITE.

UCATT workers set for second 24-hour strike

UCATT workers employed by Birmingham Council are set to stage a second 24 hours strike on Tuesday 26 February.

The dispute concerns a unilateral decision by Birmingham council bosses to impose new contracts on 20,000 workers. Many of the workers affected face losing thousands of pounds in pay, as a result of the new salaries.

Steve Murphy regional secretary for UCATT Midlands Region, said: “Once again ordinary workers are being forced to withdraw their labour, due to the intransigent attitude. We like our sister unions are willing to negotiate but so far management have refused to negotiate.”

Other unions involved in the dispute include the GMB, UNISON and UNITE.

Birmingham council strike draws 100 per cent UCATT support

Steve Murphy regional secretary for UCATT Midlands has praised his members at Birmingham Council, following the 24 hour strike on February 5.

Mr Murphy was delighted that the strike enjoyed 100 per cent support among UCATT members. He said: “UCATT workers should hold their heads high for their total commitment to yesterday’s dispute. The leadership at Birmingham council should be totally ashamed that they are trying to cut the wages of hardworking-dedicated staff by up to £15,000.”

UCATT members on picket lines have reported the strong support they have received from the general public and other parts of the public sector.

The strike has been caused by Birmingham Council’s determination to bring in new contracts for the vast majority of their staff. The contracts will mean that thousands of workers will see huge pay cuts in their salaries. Birmingham has refused to negotiate with the unions involved about the new contracts.

Further industrial action is set to be agreed by all the unions involved in the next few days. It will be decided if a further 24 hour strike will be called or if longer stoppage will be called.

Mr Murphy added: “The council’s leaders and senior officers need to get their heads out of the sand and get back round the table. We are prepared to talk to them are they prepared to listen.”

UCATT members vote to strike in Birmingham council dispute

Members of construction union UCATT employed by Birmingham Council have overwhelmingly voted to take industrial action.

The UCATT members voted by 77.8 per cent in favour of strike action. The first strike is planned for February 5^th.

The dispute is over plans by Birmingham Council to force the overwhelming majority of its employees to accept new contracts. The council has dramatically increased tensions by refusing to negotiate through the established collective agreements.

Steve Murphy, UCATT Midlands regional secretary, said: “My members are being forced to reluctantly take industrial action, due to the appalling manner in which they are treated by their bosses. Birmingham council leaders must see sense and drop these crazy plans.”