Warrington bin strike action resolved following “much improved” pay offer from council

The continued bin strike action in Warrington has ended after Unite the union secured an “improved” deal from the borough council.

This comes after the High Court refused the council’s application for an interim injunction to “immediately” stop the industrial action, carried out as part of a national pay dispute.

The council commenced legal proceedings after the trade union stated its intention to conduct a fifth phase of strike action from 5 December until 24 December.

Following the High Court’s refusal to grant the interim injunction, Warrington claimed that the ruling might lead to “significant future implications” for all councils who continue to abide by the national pay agreements for local government.

Unite and Warrington met for talks last week and reached a deal which includes a dispute resolution payment, as well as improvements to terms and conditions and the creation of a number of permanent full time roles for those on temporary seasonal contracts, the union revealed.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This result was made possible by the absolute unity of our members. By standing together and taking industrial action, they ensured the council made a much-improved offer.

“This victory demonstrates yet again how Unite’s relentless focus on jobs, pay and conditions is achieving direct benefits for its members.”

Warrington Borough Council said it would “continue to work positively alongside GMB, UNISON and Unite on a number of areas going forward”.

Lottie Winson