What happened: Birmingham City Council has doubled its spending on agency staff during an ongoing bin workers' strike that began over a year ago. The strike, led by Unite, opposes proposed pay cuts and changes to workers' roles.
Why it matters:
- The strike has disrupted waste collection, causing overflowing bins and waste buildup in the city.
- Council's increased agency spending highlights tensions in resolving the dispute and impacts local residents and workers.
MNN Take: The council is relying on temporary staff to maintain waste services during the strike, reflecting the challenges in reaching an agreement with unionised workers.
Sources: Guardian UK