Graphic images have revealed large rats roaming the streets of Birmingham during the anniversary of the city’s bin worker strikes.
Twelve months ago, a significant strike commenced, causing disruptions to Birmingham’s waste collections and resulting in substantial piles of trash accumulating throughout the city.
Huge rats, humorously referred to as ‘Squeaky Blinders’, were initially observed when the strike began. However, a year later, these rodents are still scurrying through the city. Enormous rats, comparable in size to rabbits, were photographed running amidst heaps of garbage in Small Heath, Birmingham, on Wednesday evening.
The labor dispute was sparked last year due to proposed pay reductions and changes in job responsibilities by the council, including the elimination of the Waste Recycling and Collection Office position. The Unite union argued that this alteration would jeopardize workers’ safety and result in a loss of approximately £8,000 annually for some employees, although this figure has been contested.
The council has refuted the existence of the role and discussions between the two parties fell apart last year.
A large rat photographed amidst waste in Small Heath, Birmingham
A cat on the prowl near an overflowing bin, searching for rodent prey
A rat the size of a rabbit spotted in Birmingham on Wednesday night
An extensive pile of refuse in Henry Barber Park, Birmingham, on Monday
A starling pecking at rubbish in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, in April 2025
A glove providing a chilling size comparison with a rat in April 2025
Individuals disposing of trash at a mobile refuse collection service in April 2025