Refuse Rebellion: Birmingham

The article discusses a proposed deal to end a strike by refuse workers in Coventry, England, and argues against its acceptance. It contends that the deal, presented to the workers, is a "rotten" one and represents a betrayal by the Unite union leadership, particularly under General Secretary Sharon Graham. The author asserts that the proposed settlement fails to adequately address the workers' demands and suggests it favors the local Labour-led council's interests. The article criticizes the Unite union's handling of the strike, claiming that it has isolated the Coventry workers and prevented broader solidarity action that could have strengthened their position. It accuses the union leadership of prioritizing political considerations and maintaining close ties with the Labour Party, at the expense of the workers' needs. The author believes the vote on the deal demonstrates that the workers are not only battling the local Labour authority, but are also struggling against the actions of Unite under Sharon Graham. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/04/13/uiiw-a13.html