Chief Constable Craig Guildford should keep police at picket lines
The Liberal Democrats are calling for West Midlands Police to maintain their presence at waste depots as industrial action ramps up again following a mega picket this week.
Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Roger Harmer said: “At the end of March, a major incident was announced. Human height mounds of black bags became commonplace as 9,000 tonnes of waste was added daily to Birmingham’s streets.
“The build up of rotting rubbish attracted rats. Pavements were getting blocked with, and parts of the city were beginning to smell. It was a national embarrassment, and terrible for the city’s reputation.
“Back then, I called upon Chief Constable Craig Guildford to deal with the problem or consider his position. Within days, the trucks were moving and piles of waste were cleared.
“The strikers have a legitimate reason to protest, and they should be allowed to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with Birmingham Labour’s catastrophic mismanagement and their fears around the driver grade and pay.
“However, resident’s health and wellbeing should always be the priority, and waste clearance is a vital service that must continue. Workers that are not striking must be allowed to do their job and keep the city clear of hazardous pile ups.
“The police have powers to stop strikers from obstructing working crews. They should not wait for the city to reach crisis point again before acting.
“So I ask Chief Constable Craig Guildford once again: Police the picket lines.
“A consistent police presence is needed until the strikes are resolved.
“As this strike reaches its 10th week, we are reminded that the Liberal Democrats have long called for the outsourcing of the waste function. Had that happened, the Equal pay issue and this dispute could have been avoided altogether.