Talks to end the Birmingham bin strikes collapsed this week.

No deal was reached between Birmingham council and Unite union and the all-out strike entered its fifth week.

There’s warnings of a public health emergency. Bin bags line the street, mountains of rubbish pile up in alleys, and an influx of rats is plaguing the city. And, Unite’s General Secretary Sharon Graham has warned bin strikes could spread to other local authorities as cash strapped councils make further cuts.

The dispute began when the effective bankruptcy of Birmingham council triggered their decision to remove Waste Recycling and Collection Officers, a safety role it says does not exist at other authorities.

Last month, I went to Birmingham to speak to striking bin workers, and some local residents, whose voices you’re about to hear.

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In Conversation with Thomas Moore