The Latest Breaking News from John Cotton

Deal ‘within sight’ to end Birmingham bin strike

Members of Unite have been on all-out strike for more than a year.

Evening Standard · Apr 27

Out of the red, but at what cost? Birmingham council asset sales have left city reeling, say residents

As council declares it’s ‘no longer bankrupt’, people say closure of services have added to social isolation and crime

The Guardian - UK · Feb 10

Corbyn throws his weight behind striking Birmingham bin workers

The former Labour leader warned other councils could threaten wage cuts as he visited a picket line in Tyseley.

Evening Standard · Jul 25, 2025

Birmingham bin strike cannot continue, council leader says ahead of fresh talks

Unite the union says if guarantees that no worker will lose money could be put into writing by Birmingham City Council, a deal could be closer.

Evening Standard · Apr 16, 2025

‘We’re not a third world country, we’re England’: anger rises as Birmingham’s bin strike takes toll on locals

With the city’s refuse collectors still on the picket line after four weeks, residents are pointing the finger of blame at the council

The Guardian - UK · Apr 5, 2025

Birmingham declares major incident over bin strike as piles of waste grow

Council leader says situation causing ‘harm and distress’ with 17,000 tonnes of rubbish uncollected

The Guardian - UK · Mar 31, 2025

Major incident declared over bin strike as 17,000 tonnes of waste left to rot

The all-out strike has led to rubbish piling up in the streets and residents complaining about rats

The Independent UK · Mar 31, 2025

Birmingham declares major incident over bin strike as MP says resident 'bitten by rat'

Council estimates 17,000 tonnes of waste remains uncollected around the city

Evening Standard · Mar 31, 2025

Birmingham City Council declares major incident as bin strike continues

The council says bin lorries are being prevented by picket lines from leaving waste depots.

The Independent UK · Mar 31, 2025

Birmingham city council agrees deal over equal pay claims

Unions hail ‘historic outcome’ after agreement reached on claims that left council with estimated £760m liabilities

The Guardian - UK · Dec 10, 2024