Why are UNITE bin strikes continuing in Warrington?

November 8 marked the beginning of a third wave of strikes - the first of which began on October 3.

The latest wave will see industrial action run through until November 20.

Strike action is being taken in Warrington as part of a wider dispute on behalf of members of the trade union UNITE.

UNITE says its membership has grown 'markedly' since the strike action began (Image: Ross Quinn)

However, a pay deal was reached by unions regarding pay and conditions for refuse collectors - despite this, strikes are continuing to go ahead in Warrington.

Warrington Borough Council responded, saying: "We see no basis or need for there to be any further strike action.

"Striking until Monday, November 20, 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 their strike and to meet with us to discuss any issues, alongside the other trade unions, as is entirely appropriate and in-keeping with our normal processes."

When quizzed by the Warrington Guardian on why the strikes would continue in the town, UNITE national officer, Clare Keogh said: “UNITE’s ongoing local authority disputes will continue and 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.”

Bins in Warrington will not be subject to a full collection until November 20 (Image: Newsquest)

Being pressed for clarity on exactly what action could be taken to see the strikes called off, a UNITE spokesperson simply said: "It is a dispute over pay.

"Workers want the council to agree to improvements to pay."

The spokesperson did not confirm what these 'improvements to pay' consisted of.

A poster being handed out on picket lines in Warrington reads: "We apologise that you have been affected by our strike action over the last month.

"We share your frustrations that Warrington Borough Council did not engage in talks before our strike action began, and has not made serious efforts to reach an agreement that could bring the strikes to an end.

"We are low-paid workers providing vital services to our community, who are increasingly struggling to survive during a cost of living crisis."

According to Glassdoor.co.uk, the average salary for a refuse collector in the UK is around £26,500.

Tips remain open for extended hours in Woolston, Sankey Bridges, and Stockton Heath, with strike action planned to continue until November 20.