Birmingham Bin Strikes See Rotting Rubbish Piled High In The Street

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 4: General view of a pile of rubbish on Runcorn Road on April 4, 2025 in Birmingham, England. Rubbish collectors and members of Unite began intermittent strikes earlier this year over Birmingham City Council's plans to downgrade some staff and reduce their pay by up to £8000. On 11 March, 400 workers began an indefinite strike after the council used agency staff for bin collections. Striking refuse collectors have been accused of preventing bin lorries from leaving depots, and as rubbish piles become infested with rats and flies, a major incident has been declared. (Photo by Ryan Jenkinson/Getty Images)