Agency Workers Vote to Join Picket Lines Amid Dispute

Published: 18 November 2025 Tuesday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Agency workers who continued to operate during Birmingham’s protracted bin strike have voted to take industrial action themselves amid allegations of bullying and harassment in the workplace. The move adds a new layer of complexity to a dispute that has already seen the city’s waste collection services disrupted for months.

Unite, the union representing both permanent and agency staff, confirmed that hundreds of its members have been on a full strike since March, primarily over pay and job security. In recent weeks, however, agency workers—who have continued to cross picket lines—have reported facing “unsustainable workloads” and a culture of intimidation at their workplace, prompting many to reconsider their position.

According to Unite, 18 out of 22 agency workers who are union members have voted to join the picket lines starting from 1 December, effectively escalating the ongoing industrial action. The union’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, described the decision as a “real escalation in the dispute,” citing the mistreatment of agency workers by Job&Talent and Birmingham City Council.

Birmingham City Council has denied the claims made by the union, insisting that the authority does not condone actions contrary to employment legislation or good practice. A council spokesperson stated that only a “small number of agency staff” were engaged in a separate dispute with the Job&Talent agency. The council emphasised that it intends to continue implementing planned changes to waste services, describing these reforms as “long overdue.”

The council also defended its contingency measures, highlighting that waste collection operations have continued despite the strike. On average, the council reported that 1,330 tonnes of kerbside waste are collected daily—more than pre-strike levels—and that over the past six months, more than 100,000 tonnes of waste had been cleared. The authority further noted that agency staffing levels had remained consistent throughout the dispute.

Unite members in Birmingham initially began their all-out strike eight months ago, with the union later voting to extend the industrial action until March. The strike has been marked by increasing tension, including accusations that senior council managers threatened to blacklist agency staff who refused to cross picket lines. Footage circulated online purportedly shows a Job&Talent manager telling workers that council officials could ban them from future roles if they did not comply.

Dr Roger Seifert, an industrial relations expert at the University of Wolverhampton, commented on the situation, describing the prolonged strike as “terrible” and damaging to the city’s reputation. He explained that when agencies supply staff, employers often lose direct control over how those workers are treated, creating conditions where pressure on staff can escalate, leading to strained relations and growing animosity. “What we end up with is bad blood, and two sides as far apart as ever. There’s no goodwill, and in the middle of all this, the people of Birmingham are having a worse service,” Dr Seifert said.

Job&Talent issued a statement reiterating its commitment to transparency, integrity, and full compliance with employment law. The agency emphasised that it prioritises the rights, welfare, and safety of its workers and maintains regular communication to ensure staff feel supported. It also stated that it takes any allegations of intimidation or threats seriously and would not tolerate actions that undermine workers’ rights, including participation in industrial action.

The escalation in industrial action by agency staff is expected to have further implications for the city’s waste collection services. With both permanent and agency workers potentially joining picket lines, Birmingham City Council may face significant operational challenges in maintaining regular service levels. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions within public sector employment and raises questions about workplace culture, employee welfare, and the role of agency workers during industrial disputes.

As the situation develops, both the council and Job&Talent are under scrutiny for how they handle complaints of bullying and harassment, as well as their engagement with union representatives. Unite has called for immediate intervention to address the concerns raised by agency staff, arguing that failure to do so risks prolonging the strike and further disrupting public services.

The dispute in Birmingham reflects broader challenges in industrial relations across the UK, particularly in sectors reliant on agency staffing. Experts argue that adequate safeguards, clear communication, and fair treatment of workers are essential to preventing escalation and maintaining service delivery during industrial action. The case also underscores the importance of strong union representation and collective bargaining in resolving disputes over pay, conditions, and workplace culture.

The outcome of the agency staff vote and their subsequent participation in picket lines will be closely watched by the public, union officials, and local authorities. Stakeholders will be looking for a resolution that balances the rights of workers with the need to maintain essential public services, particularly in a city already affected by months of disruption.

As industrial action continues, residents may experience irregular waste collection and delays in services, further highlighting the need for swift negotiation and engagement between all parties. The ongoing dispute serves as a reminder of the critical role that employee welfare, workplace culture, and transparent management play in sustaining both public services and community trust.