PUBLIC bins are overflowing across town as a third wave of strikes is set to begin.

The recycling bins at The Forge car park in Stockton Heath are spilling over with a large number of cardboard boxes left at the side of them.

Meanwhile, the bins at Stockton Heath Recycling Centre on Sandy Lane in Stockton Heath are also full.

Last week, long queues and delays were reported as residents tried to access the tip amid strikes.

It comes as green and blue bins have remained unemptied for several weeks since refuse workers first walked out.

Unite members are striking over pay and conditions and the first phase of strikes in Warrington took place from October 3 to October 16.

There was a short break in which bin collections resumed for, although just for black household waste, before refuse workers walked out again on October 24.

This walkout ended today, Monday, but it has been confirmed that a third round of strikes will take place from Wednesday, November 8, to November 20.

This means residents will have had just one black bin collection since mid-October.

Warrington Guardian:

However, the council has confirmed it is hopeful that tomorrow, it will be able to send bin lorries out.

Crews will focus on the collection of black and blue bins for those households who normally have their bins emptied on Tuesdays.

The council says it continues to call on trade union Unite to immediately cancel its plans to conduct its ‘unnecessary’ strike action.

A spokesman said: “Industrial action in Warrington by Unite members has always clearly been on the basis of the national pay offer not being acceptable to its members.

“Following a national meeting of the three trade unions on Wednesday – GMB, Unison and Unite – there was an agreement to accept the national pay offer.

“This offer will give our waste collection loaders and drivers a pay increase of between 7.6 per cent and 8.6 per cent depending on their role.

“We therefore see no basis for there to be any further strike action. The council is not on its own in calling for the strikes to be cancelled.

“Sadly, we understand that Unite members will be continuing strike action from Wednesday, November 8, to Monday, November 20.

“Striking now, despite previous strike action having been on the basis of the national pay dispute, is a disproportionate measure that will continue to severely impact our residents and businesses.

“We call on Unite to cancel its intended industrial action and meet with us to discuss any issues alongside the other trade unions, as is entirely appropriate and in-keeping with our normal processes.”

In a statement yesterday, in response to the council’s call for strikes to end, Unite national officer Clare Keogh said: “Unite’s ongoing local authority disputes will continue.

“The union will be giving our members rock solid support where they are fighting for improved terms and conditions at the local level.

“Unite has already secured multiple local wins for our members in different councils across England and Wales.

“We will continue to back our members 100 per cent who are in dispute so we can build on these locals wins further.”