Since March 11, 2025, members of the Unite union have been on an all-out strike, primarily due to disputes over pay and job security, which has led to a significant backlog of waste in the city.

The council reported an accumulation of approximately 12,800 tonnes of waste as a direct result of the ongoing strike and is striving to resume weekly waste collections.

In light of these disruptions, the council sought an interim injunction to ensure that protests comply with legal standards and do not obstruct operations, emphasizing the need to protect public health and safety, particularly in deprived communities.

Birmingham City Council has been granted an interim injunction concerning picketing and protests at its three depots, aimed at regulating the actions of striking workers during the ongoing dispute.

The injunction specifically aims to prevent pickets from blocking vehicles, allowing refuse collection trucks to leave the depots and resume their operations.

This injunction is effective until May 28, 2025, when a further court hearing is scheduled to assess the situation.

Birmingham City Council has accused the Unite union of violating previous agreements concerning picket behavior, claiming that protest actions have obstructed vehicles and hindered waste collection efforts.

The council has reiterated its commitment to public health and the importance of waste clearance, especially for communities that are most affected by the waste accumulation.