Why do trade unions exist? Other than to cause trouble? Just look at the disgusting mess they’ve, quite literally, caused in Birmingham. No organisation should be allowed to put the public in such danger and hold their city to ransom by creating such a massive health hazard. Let’s face it: because the unions part-fund Labour, what power does the Government actually have over them? They don’t want to risk their donations after all.

But I think the time of the old-fashioned union is over. Let’s face it, they tried to take over once before in Mrs T’s day, but they failed – well, she wasn’t called the Iron Lady for nothing! There were many more then, which are now no longer with us, thank goodness. But even though they are miles less powerful than they once were, they can still cause a hell of a stink, as we’ve seen.

So after this misery – and it has to be said – danger too, inflicted on the people of Birmingham, now is time for a proper discussion.

If companies want to be b****rds and take advantage of their workforce, they’ll get a workforce that is completely disinterested. Companies that do look after their workforce well, and know how to treat us as individuals and human beings, will prosper. And people like you and me are more than capable of negotiating on our own, according to our specific circumstances, thank you very much.

It is not rocket science. But of course unions would prefer us not to think like this.

Maybe if they want to carry on in the future, union employees should have to do the same as the people they represent. If they care so much about their ‘brother workers’, they should carry out their duties in their spare time, after toiling away alongside them.

Not sitting in air-conditioned offices in central London while their members deal with the wrath of their neighbours appalled by strikes or the stinking bin bags on their streets.

Or maybe union officials should all have to work for no pay like those people on strike? Perhaps that might sort things out.