REFUSE collectors lined up on the picket line at Woolston depot today in dispute of pay.

The strikes across Warrington began this week, with Unite the Union staff walking out over a pay and conditions row.

More than sixty workers congregated at the picket line from 4am this morning and are defiant in standing their ground for the proposed two-week strike, until talks are initiated.

Unite the Union regional officer, Brian Troake said: “I am here today on strike with our workers from WBC Woolston depot who are trying to secure a fair pay rise this year.

“Historically over the last 13 years our members are 20 to 25 per cent worse off than they were in 2010.

“That is the equivalent of our members now working a five-day week but only being paid for four days which I am sure everyone will agree is unacceptable.

“People have had enough now and are starting to fight back. This is a small part of what is going on around the country. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters all over the UK and we are taking action in pursuit of getting a fair pay deal.”

He added: “We are starting to secure local deals all over the country. But Warrington Borough Council is not prepared to meet with us. We do not want to be on strike. We are willing to talk.”

Steven Burton, a longstanding employee of the council spoke of his disgust at the situation.

“18 years I have worked as a bin man. I have never had a day off sick and this is how they treat us.

“We are willing to stick it out because we deserve fair pay,” he said.

Warrington Borough Council confirmed today that they have been ‘unable to deploy any refuse collection vehicles today’ due to the action.

They have advised resident to store waste until the next collection date, adding that industrial action is set to finish on October 16.

Refuse collector at the Woolston depot, Craig Goulden said: “We work through all weather, wind rain and storm.

“We worked through covid, we did not a get a single thanks for it. Something needs to change.”