Unite union warns of breaking ties with Labour amid Birmingham bin strike.
The Unite union, the Labour Party’s largest affiliate, delivered a stark warning today amid an escalating waste-workers’ dispute in Birmingham. Union leaders, frustrated by Labour-aligned council’s stance, have threatened to sever ties if the party fails to support striking sanitation workers .
Unite accused Labour figures, including Angela Rayner, of siding with the council’s restructuring plan that triggered protests, calling it a betrayal of working-class interests. The dispute has disrupted waste collection, raising public health concerns .
Labour officials defended the council's decision, claiming the reforms were necessary to solve long-term funding and logistical issues. Meanwhile, the UK government emphasized its priority is cleaning up the backlog to protect public welfare .
Analysts suggest this showdown could deepen internal rifts within Labour, ahead of the next general election. Key union affiliates could reconsider financial and political support, threatening party cohesion.
I'm Adedayo Obadina
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