Bin strike health hazard as rats ‘feast' on rotting trash

Rodents are being served up a "banquet" of rotting rubbish as Birmingham's bin collection strike drags on, creating a public health hazard, pest control experts are warning.

- MATTHEW COOPER

The indefinite strike, which began on Tuesday, involves nearly 400 council bin workers and stems from a dispute over jobs and pay. Unite, the union representing the workers, argues that the city council can resolve the issue by offering “a decent rate of pay”.

Birmingham City Council, however, says it has presented a “fair and reasonable offer” to Unite members and that the escalated industrial action will cause significant disruption to residents. The council disputes Unite’s claim that 150 workers face an £8,000 annual pay cut and says that restructuring the service is essential for the authority's financial stability.

Grahame Turner, technical manager at the National Pest Technicians Association, said public health risks were mounting. He advised residents to transport uncollected waste to a tip whenever possible.