Major incident declared in Birmingham over rubbish crisis

In the United Kingdom, Birmingham has been grappling with a significant public health crisis due to a prolonged strike by garbage truck workers since March 11, 2025. The strike was initiated by the Unite union members in response to plans by the Birmingham City Council to eliminate the role of waste, recycling, and collection officer, which they argue would lead to substantial pay cuts for many workers. The situation has escalated, resulting in thousands of tonnes of rubbish accumulating in the streets, raising concerns among residents about health risks associated with vermin, particularly an increase in rat populations reported to be as large as cats due to the significant waste buildup. As the strike continued for weeks, local lawmakers declared a major incident on March 31, citing the public health risks posed by the piles of garbage. Residents have voiced frustration, with some stating that their living conditions have deteriorated to the extent that they feel worse off than in some developing countries. The garbage crisis has driven some residents to dispose of their waste independently by delivering it to local waste facilities, a situation fueled by a lack of communication from the council regarding the ongoing issue. In response to the mounting health crisis, the government intervened by deploying a small number of military planners to assist the Birmingham City Council with logistical support. Although military personnel will not be involved in directly collecting rubbish, their involvement has been deemed necessary to address the logistical challenges posed by the overflowing waste. Observers note that the government called for this action due to the urgency of the public health risks highlighted by health officials and reports emerging from the area. As the stalemate between the Birmingham City Council and the striking workers continues to unfold, officials from the council have urged workers to accept a new deal purported to be significantly improved over previous offers, while union leaders have criticized these proposals as insufficient. With a pivotal vote scheduled for striking workers regarding a partial deal to end the strike, the entire situation remains tense, with many concerned about the future of waste management and the livelihoods of those who work in this essential public service.