Bin men are taking strike action after Birmingham city council announced job cuts, amid claims of ‘a bullying culture’ and financial 'incompetence'.

121 waste collection jobs are under threat and Unite, the country’s largest union, accused the council of ‘playing fast-and-loose’ over the union’s genuine offer to engage in talks with the conciliation service, Acas.

The dates refuse workers will take strike action are:

Monday 3 July

Tuesday 11 July

Wednesday 19 July

Thursday 27 July

Friday 4 August

Birmingham City Council are urging residents to try to reduce the amount of waste they put in the bin.

Unite regional officer Lynne Shakespeare said:

Even at this 11th hour we call on the council, once again, to enter into talks with Acas, otherwise this dispute is set to escalate in the weeks ahead. Lynne Shakespeare, Unite

Unite members voted by 90 per cent for strike action over proposed job cuts to the city’s waste and refuse service. The workers also voted by 93 per cent for industrial action short of a strike.

The council said it does have plans in place during the dispute, Council Corporate Director for Place, Jacqui Kennedy said: