'Real escalation' | Bin workers launch fresh strike action over bullying & toxic culture claims

Birmingham’s bin dispute has taken a new turn with workers alleging a culture of bullying and toxic behaviour at the city council’s refuse department, prompting a fresh wave of industrial action that could continue beyond next May’s local elections.

Unite, the union representing both directly employed council staff and agency workers, says a growing number of agency staff have refused to cross picket lines in recent months because of what they describe as unsustainable workloads and a hostile working environment.