The union said refuse workers backed strike action by 99.5% on a turnout of 72%. Strikes first began in January following claims that staff faced pay cuts of up to £8,000, around a quarter of some workers’ wages. Council workers are being lined up to pay the price for years of austerity. At the same time, critics have pointed to the scale of council pension obligations. The dispute highlights both the deepening financial strain on Birmingham City Council and the national debate over the balance between frontline services, staff pay, and long-term pension commitments.