As mountains of garbage accumulate and temporary crews reach their limits, Birmingham’s ongoing bin strike seems poised to become its longest yet, with both parties standing firm in their positions.

The situation is further muddied by Birmingham City Council’s financial woes, as its bankruptcy has necessitated the use of backup strategies and the hiring of agency workers to manage waste collection.

The union Unite contends that the conflict escalated when the council allegedly dismissed and rehired heavy goods vehicle drivers under contracts with reduced pay. The union also claims that the council has failed to provide evidence to justify its stance that concerns over equal pay are hindering any potential agreement.

In response, a representative from Birmingham City Council stated, “Unite has rejected all our offers,” indicating a continued deadlock in negotiations.

Meanwhile, workers have voiced their frustrations, arguing that their workloads have become overwhelming and the conditions they face are unacceptable.

How did it spiral to this week’s escalation?

But those workers have alleged the workload has become unmanageable and the treatment intolerable.

He told the BBC that once councils rely heavily on agencies, “pressure builds up”, gets shifted down the chain and produces “bad blood” — leaving residents to endure a worsening service.

What is each side saying now?

Sharon Graham, the union’s general secretary, said workers are striking because of “the terrible way they have been treated by Job & Talent and Birmingham council”, accusing the council of spending “a fortune it doesn’t have” instead of agreeing a fair deal.

The council also emphasised that the agency dispute does not sit with them but with Job & Talent, describing it as involving only “a small number” of workers.

What happens next?

With Birmingham City Council now formally bankrupt, residents fear they will ultimately bear the cost of the stalemate.