Striking bin workers have been obstructing agency staff brought in to clear thousands of tonnes of uncollected waste off the streets of Birmingham.
The city council said: “Actions by pickets at three of our depots have meant very few of our waste lorries have been deployed on May 15 and 16.
“This will affect the amount of collections we are able to make. We apologise for the disruption.”
Council looking at all options to get rubbish cleared
It added: “People have the right to strike but those that want to work should be allowed to do so.
“We will continue to look at all options to ensure we can get trucks out and keep the streets clean.”
Members of the Unite union have been on strike since March 16.
Council “playing games”
The union claims the council’s plans will reduce drivers’ pay from £40,000 to £32,000 – a cut of £8,000, a fifth of their income.
Unite national lead officer Onay Kasab said at the end of April: “The council has been playing games. It has had no intention of resolving this dispute and protecting workers. This is all about cutting workers’ pay and plunging them into financial misery.”
