In the English city of Birmingham, garbage collectors have been on strike for over a month. Waste has piled up in the streets, and rats have appeared. To deal with the crisis, the authorities have brought in specialists from the British Army.

UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner initiated the deployment of British Army specialists to address the crisis in Birmingham, where garbage collectors have been on strike for more than a month.

Officials clarified that the military will not be cleaning the streets themselves, but will instead be working from offices. “A small number of service personnel with operational planning experience will provide logistical support to help resolve the crisis,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

She noted that British troops have previously been called upon to assist civilian authorities in emergency situations, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This time, the military will be engaged “for a short, limited period to support local authorities and ensure the fastest possible response to the ongoing public health threat.”

The strike in Birmingham began on March 11. Since then, over 17,000 tons of waste have accumulated in the city’s streets. Residents are complaining about a rat infestation.

Union leaders blame the Labour Party, currently in power both locally and nationally, for being unwilling to compromise.