Union representing Warrington's striking bin workers taken to court by council
Bins haven't been emptied regularly by Unite workers since the start of October, in an on-going row over pay
Last updated 28th Nov 2023
A union representing striking bin workers across Warrington is being taken to court today by the Borough Council, as it hopes to avoid disruption this Christmas.
Bins haven't been emptied regularly by Unite workers since the start of October, in an on-going row over pay. This is the fourth walk-out which will end on the 4th of December. However Warrington Borough Council says there could be further action from the 5th of December until Christmas Eve.
People in Warrington are becoming increasingly frustrated: "I've got three bags in my kitchen waiting and I'm thinking I'm going to have to go to the tip. It's wrong and it's winding me up.
"The town is a mess as it is, they're cleaning up the town centre, what about where we live?"
Another person said: "It's a bit of a nightmare really isn't it? They've got to clear it up at some points. It does need sorting out, it's a sight."
In their latest statement, Unite said: "The 70 plus workers say the national pay offer of a flat rate increase of £1,925 is not good enough. The offer is below the rate of inflation and amounts to a real terms pay cut. But a complete lack of urgency shown by the council towards resolving this dispute is needlessly delaying a resolution."
General secretary, Sharon Graham said: “Throughout this dispute Warrington council has dithered and delayed needlessly dragging this strike out. Unless council leaders sharpen up, this strike will continue into the festive season.
“Unite’s support for our members remains steadfast.
"The national bargaining agreement for local government sets out minimum standards but local authorities can agree better terms and conditions for workers if they wish to do so."
Unite regional officer, Samantha Marshall said: “Warrington council is failing the workers and failing its residents. These delays are completely unnecessary and the reason why strike action could extend into the Christmas period.
“In the last 10 years local authority workers have lost a quarter of their real terms incomes because of austerity, pay freezes and the rising cost of living. It is no wonder refuse workers are joining Unite. Our membership has doubled at the Warrington depot.
“The council needs to find a sense of urgency and work with Unite to resolve this dispute.”
Warrington Council said: "We continue to pursue the legal options available to us and have been in constant liaison with our Solicitors.
"We have again asked Unite for the strikes to be cancelled immediately, but at this point the decision has been taken by their members to continue. We are also aware that Unite have stated their intention to conduct another period of strike action from 5 December until 24 December. Therefore, it is more important than ever that we continue to pursue legal action to stop any further strikes.
"We have commenced legal proceedings in the High Court and our case will be heard on Tuesday 28 November at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
"We have always said that further strike action is an unnecessary and disproportionate measure given the resolution of the 2023/24 pay award negotiations. We strongly maintain this position and are supported by the national Local Government Employers.
"We remain fully committed to discussing and listening to the concerns of all of our Trade Unions locally, through our proper channels. This has been, and always will be, the case.
"We regret the continued disruption and frustration that our residents and communities are facing."