Supporters of the Birmingham bin strike—including members of the Socialist Party—successfully carried out a direct action blockade on the last two Tuesday mornings in the Tyseley area. Meeting discreetly in Small Heath, activists moved swiftly to block vehicles transporting waste into the nearby incinerator, and council bin lorries attempting to leave, causing major disruption to council operations. The blockade was the first to target an external site still receiving or processing council waste during the ongoing strike.
This surprise action sent a strong message to Birmingham City Council that workers and communities will not tolerate the use of scab labour or backdoor strike-breaking tactics. With just ten people, the blockade demonstrated how coordinated direct action can lift the mood of picket lines and increase pressure on the council.
There is real potential for similar actions across the city, following on the successful blocking of crews working for scab company Tom White owned by Coventry City Council. A direct appeal to local trade union branches could mobilise and get bodies down to future blockades. Solidarity and escalation are essential to win this fight.