Birmingham's Waste Crisis: Year Two of Strike & Rats

0:00On March 14, a year after bin workers in Birmingham lost an all-out strike, the city's streets are still overrun with huge rats and piles of, uncollected rubbish. The dispute, one of the longest and recent British history, stems from union opposition to council plans to overhaul waste collection services. Fly-tipping in litter have turned neighborhoods into eye sores, especially in areas like small heath. Distracted by Unite Union members began over concerns that reforms would cut pay and jobs. Tensions have bowled over, with the union this week slashing its annual affiliation fee to the labor party by nearly 600,000 pounds, a 40% drop. Leaders say workers feel betrayed by the party's handling of the crisis. Residents are fed up, describing daily life as unbearable, with rubbish attracting pests and posing risks to families. Democrats report kids growing desensitized to the rodents, while some locals have fallen ill from the stench and filth.

1:00Cauls are growing for both sides to negotiate and in the chaos. Meanwhile, Birmingham City Council insists it will roll out a new way system this summer, complete with reinstated recycling, regardless of ongoing action. Union officials warn they're nearing the end of their patience with labor. As the standoff drags into its second year, pressure mounts for a resolution before conditions worsen further.