Bins strike union suspends Rayner

CITY COUNCILLORS ALSO ACCUSED OF FAILING MEMBERS

- JANE HAYNES News Reporter

BINS union Unite has voted to suspend the membership of Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton over his handling of the long-running strike.

Also suspended is Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, and all other Birmingham Labour councillors who are Unite members. Cllr Cotton and Ms Rayner are accused of “bringing the union into disrepute”.

An emergency motion was passed at the union’s policy conference in Brighton yesterday that condemned the Labour government and council for their “attacks” on bin workers.

The motion condemned the council for effectively seeking to “fire and rehire” 127 driver team leaders as part of a review of pay and conditions.

It marks a dramatic break between the union, Labour’s biggest backer, and the party and will likely have considerable consequences. Insiders say it’s proof of the “extreme anger” felt by union members across the country over the handling of the strike.