Councillor cancels Unite membership amid bin strikes

A councillor who accused striking bin workers of threatening violence has cancelled his membership of the union involved.

Birmingham City Council confirmed on Wednesday that Majid Mahmood had quit Unite the Union.

In a statement, he said his decision was "in light of the violence and intimidation" on the picket lines and the union's "failure to condemn this unacceptable behaviour".

In response, Unite's national officer Onay Kasab, said "These smears are simply an attempt to demonise striking workers on lawful and peaceful picket lines."

On Tuesday, Mahmood told the BBC that he condemned the actions of some of those striking, who he said were were obstructing bin lorries, threatening violence and displaying intimidating behaviour.

Unite said the action of asking people not to cross picket lines and to speak to colleagues about why the strike is taking place was normal, and denied claims of violence.

Mr Kasab added: "The council is well aware that Unite fully complies with the code of practice on picketing and that picket line supervisors are present at every strike to ensure a calm environment and maintain health and safety."

Mahmood, who is the authority's cabinet member for environment and transport, said he continued to be a "proud trade union member" of Unison.

The council also confirmed that leader John Cotton had refused to follow Mahmood's lead.

In a statement, he said: "As I have previously said, I wholly condemn the violence and intimidation we have seen on the picket lines in the last few weeks."

"I have been a member of Unite and its predecessor union the T&G for many years, but the scenes we are witnessing are not in keeping with the traditions of trade unionism that I have always followed.

"I will continue to use my position as a member of the union and as leader of the council to call out these unacceptable behaviours."

He added that he would always put the interests of the people of Birmingham "above all else."

The strike, involving about 350 bin workers, has been happening on and off since January until an all-out walkout began two weeks ago.

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