Unite puts Angela Rayner on hold and re‑examines support for Labour amid bin strike.
Unite, Labour's largest affiliated union, voted overwhelmingly today to suspend Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner's membership and to re-examine its support for the Labour Party. The move comes as Birmingham bin workers continue a prolonged strike over proposed pay cuts of up to £8,000 a year.
At its policy conference, Unite's leadership sharply criticized Rayner and the Labour-run council for allegedly exacerbating the dispute via "fire-and-rehire" tactics and undermining worker rights. Union general secretary Sharon Graham said the motion reflects deep frustration: “Unite is crystal clear it will call out bad employers regardless of the colour of their rosette” .
The standoff, ongoing since March, has left waste piling up on Birmingham streets, prompting backlash from residents and a vigorous defense by No 10. Downing Street emphasized its primary concern is public health and working with the council to clear backlogs.
Analysts warn the crisis may widen fault lines between Labour and its union base ahead of future electoral battles. If Unite pulls its financial or political support, it could hit Labour hard. How the party navigates this will be crucial for working-class loyalty.
I'm Adedayo Obadina
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