Bin lorry drivers now face pay cut

COUNCIL ACCUSED OF 'WEB OF DECEIT' OVER NEW BLOW

- JANE HAYNES News Reporter

WASTE truck drivers in Birmingham have learned their jobs are set to be downgraded and their pay cut by thousands of pounds a year.

It's a massive blow to the under-fire waste service workforce and appears to scupper hopes of an imminent end to strike action that's blighted the city and triggered negative headlines around the world.

Around 200 drivers, mostly men, were yesterday told their jobs are being 'downgraded' as part of an equal pay-related review and evaluation exercise by Birmingham City Council.

The drivers, currently listed as Grade 4 roles, are to be regraded to Grade 3. That would bring a huge pay cut.

Driver team leaders, who navigate the trucks through the city’s streets, currently earn between £33,366 to £40,476, reflecting their skills and leader role.

This will be dropped to between £26,409 to £32,654 - the current Grade 3 pay - if the proposal goes ahead.