Unite has voted to suspend the membership of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and to reconsider its ties with the Labour Party amid ongoing tensions over the Birmingham bin workers' strike.

The union accused Birmingham City Council of employing 'fire and rehire' tactics against striking workers demanding better pay and conditions, leading to a breakdown in negotiations.

This decision was made during a conference in Brighton, where Unite members condemned both the Labour-run Birmingham council and the Government for their handling of the dispute.

The strike, which began in January 2025, centers around proposed pay cuts of up to £8,000 for some bin workers, prompting indefinite industrial action.

The dispute is linked to Birmingham City Council's restructuring efforts aimed at improving waste collection and complying with environmental standards, which have contributed to financial difficulties and the council's bankruptcy in 2023.

The council's restructuring and staff reforms have led to accusations of unfair pay practices and significant liabilities, which the government notes as factors in the city's financial troubles.

The ongoing strikes have resulted in severe rubbish accumulation in Birmingham streets, creating unsanitary conditions for residents.

A Downing Street spokesperson emphasized that the government’s priority remains the welfare of Birmingham residents and managing waste collection disruptions caused by the strikes.

Labour is under pressure from public sector unions over pay rises potentially linked to pension cuts, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting indicating a willingness to negotiate these issues.

Unions, including the Fire Brigades Union, strongly oppose any reduction in pension benefits in exchange for pay increases, viewing such measures as unacceptable austerity.

Despite the suspension, sources indicate that Angela Rayner had already resigned from Unite several months prior, prior to the union's recent vote.

There is growing frustration among workers, with some distancing themselves from Labour due to perceived lack of support for labor rights during the strike.