Working class solidarity has humbled a scab Labour council in Birmingham
By Arthur Townend in Birmingham
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On the mass picket in Birmingham
Hundreds of bin strikers and supporters have forced Labour council bosses in Birmingham to shut the Lifford Lane depot.
Trade unionists from across Britain have gathered outside the depot this morning to show solidarity with the indefinite refuse strike.
Just one van tried to leave the deport early. But strikers blocked it.
“This is brilliant today,” Unite union striker Ben told Socialist Worker. “The levels of solidarity and the show of support from beyond Birmingham—it proves how strong workers and unions really are.”
Striker Steve told Socialist Worker, “Brilliant, fantastic, unreal—we knew this type of solidarity was happening, but didn’t know the numbers. The more we do this, the more we get our point across.
“Every day—do this every day if you ask me.”
The Labour council—backed all the way by the Starmer government—declared war on the bin workers.
Bosses sent police to break up picket lines that were stopping trucks from leaving the depots. And they declared a “major incident” so it could use agency vehicles and workers as scab labour to undermine the strike.
Today, the trade union movement has drawn a line in the sand—and shown that solidarity and escalation works.
Mick Whelan, general secretary of the Aslef train drivers’ union, told Socialist Worker, “What’s happened today is stunning. I’ve always believed in direct action. People are desperate, and want to articulate their voice.
“There are so many other groups here supporting, unions, community groups—it shows they believe in the righteousness on the works. I’m incredibly proud to stand here today, and humbled by the level of support.”
In Sheffield, refuse workers in the Lumley Street depot have been on strike for ten months over union recognition.
One worker told Socialist Worker, “We’re here because we want to show solidarity with fellow striking workers—with any workers in dispute.
“A mass picket is so effective. The council made no attempt to cross the picket. When the council sees a critical mass of people, it has to listen.
“When we obstruct profits, it forces them to think, and the council has to resolve this.”
- This is a developing story
- Workers names have been changed