WARRINGTON has been included in a warning by Union leaders to expect a ‘winter of strikes’ by council workers over low pay.

Warrington Borough Council is among 23 councils across the UK to have been affected by Unite ballots with strike dates confirmed or in the pipeline.

Union leaders for Unite are set to meet in the next few days following an ‘outbreak of strikes’ by union members, including in Cardiff and Wrexham, which will continue until the end of November.

As well as this, some Warrington Borough Council, namely waste, highways, and environment workers, are already on strike.

This strike has led to the ongoing issues surrounding bins which has disrupted residents across the town this week. No bins have been collected this week and no more will be collected until October 16.

As well as Warrington, strike dates have been announced or are being prepared in Southwark, Haringey, Wigan, and Coventry.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Council leaders are wrongly claiming they can't negotiate locally.
"It's complete nonsense and the local government employers know it. Unite has already successfully negotiated pay rises for workers in Tower Hamlets and Newham in London. It's time for other councils to listen and learn."

Warrington Borough Council said: "Unfortunately, due to the scale of disruption caused by industrial action, we do not expect to be able to empty bins until after the strike finishes on Monday 16 October.

"We are very sorry about the inconvenience caused by the industrial action for our residents and businesses.

"We are willing to listen to the concerns of local UNITE members. However, we must acknowledge that the ongoing dispute with one of our recognised Trade Unions is related to negotiations which are held nationally and is not about local conditions in Warrington.

"We know you will have a number of questions and we will update again in the coming days on our plans for a catch-up on waste collection once the action has ended."