- Refuse workers in Birmingham have been on strike since March 11 due to a dispute over pay, leading to thousands of tonnes of uncollected rubbish.
- Birmingham City Council declared a major incident on March 31 due to public health concerns, with residents reporting rats and a strong stench.
- The government has called in military planners to provide logistical support to the council, but soldiers will not be collecting rubbish.
- Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner urged Unite union members to accept an "improved" deal, while Unite's General Secretary Sharon Graham criticised attacks on low-paid bin workers, stating the dispute is about workers losing up to £8,000 in pay.
- A further ballot on a deal to end the strike is expected to take place on Monday.
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