Major Birmingham bin strike update as court rules on pickets blocking lorries

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

The High Court has backed a bid to stop pickets blocking bin trucks getting out of Birmingham's depots to collect rubbish 'indefinitely'.

The interim injunction granted last week has now been ratified by the court and will continue indefinitely.

It is intended to ensure bin lorries can get out of the depots every morning without being held up by striking workers and should end disruption for residents.

Unite the union has agreed to abide by the ruling, but says it is reserving the right to go back to court to dispute the order in future.

READ MORE: Council 'granted court order' to 'stop bin lorry blocking' at Birmingham waste depots

A formal hearing due to take place at 2pm today has now been cancelled.

Birmingham City Council said this afternoon: “We are pleased that the court has ratified the Consent Order agreed with Unite yesterday that the injunction, which was granted by the High

Court on Friday 23 May, will continue on an indefinite basis.

“This should ensure that vehicles are freely able to leave their depots and that workers are also able to continue to collect waste from the city.

"We have also agreed with Unite that the legal costs which the council incurred in securing the original injunction will be dealt with by the court at a later date."

READ MORE: Bin lorries blocked from leaving depots again as waste piles up around city

“As we have previously stated, we acknowledge that everyone has the right to protest and that Unite has the right to organise picketing in line with their statutory rights. The terms of the

order which Unite has now agreed is designed to ensure that this is all done within the confines of the law.

“In the meantime, our efforts to resolve the underlying industrial dispute will also continue.”

A Unite spokesperson said: “Unite has agreed to abide by the law on picketing and we will continue to conduct a lawful, peaceful picket. Whilst the injunction will remain in place, both

parties are entitled to apply to the court at any time in relation to the order. Birmingham City Council is fully aware of this.

“The union is preparing evidence to be able to seek to persuade the court that the interim injunction should not have been granted last Friday evening. When the union’s evidence is complete,

the union will consult our lawyers to take necessary steps to ensure that this matter is referred back to the court for a thorough review at a hearing on a later date.