WARRINGTON Borough Council is to seek a High Court injunction in a bid to bring crippling bin strikes to an end.

It comes as the town is set to be hit by a fourth round of bin strikes, with industrial action by refuse workers now being extended into the festive season.

Unite has announced that the latest strikes will run from Tuesday, November 21, through to Monday, December 4.

Last Wednesday, 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.

Council correspondence seen by the Warrington Guardian states: “Having followed legal advice throughout the industrial dispute, we have attempted to resolve the issue via appropriate negotiations and discussion, including a corporate joint consultative committee on November 8.

“Unfortunately and regrettably, Unite has not been responsive to our position that we are prepared to consider all local issues as long as they are dealt with through our agreed local negotiating processes. 

“Our other trade unions – Unison and GMB – have been cooperative and responsible throughout this dispute.

“We are now at the stage where the council has now had to challenge the legal mandate for the continuation of the industrial action.”

A letter has been sent from the council’s solicitors, having been drafted in after the council took legal advice, calling for Unite to cancel upcoming planned strike action.

In response, a letter from Unite seen by the Warrington Guardian states: “As you will know, the National Joint Council is a body which consists of representatives of three independent trade unions, who represent thousands of workers across the country.

Warrington Guardian:

“On November 7, we, as an independent trade union representing workers employed by you (the council), notified you as their employer of a properly and lawfully conducted ballot for industrial action.

“You will be aware that Unite, nor importantly its members, did not vote in favour of the pay award.

“It is quite obvious that it remains the case that our members (or your workers) are in dispute with you (their employer) in relation to their terms and conditions in relation to pay.

“This dispute patently still exists as their demands and expectations were not met, either in the NJC imposed award or otherwise.”

The council correspondence adds: “The Unite response is somewhat bizarre and surreal.

“In essence, Unite is indicating that it is not willing to cease the industrial action as it believes it is still in dispute regarding pay, despite the national pay settlement being agreed – it was party to this agreement.

“Given these circumstances, we have no choice to seek an injunction at the High Court regarding the continuation of the industrial action.

“We are attempting to place the matter in the High Court as soon as possible for consideration, but it is likely to be eight to 10 days’ time.

“We continue to request that Unite ceases its industrial action and join us in local negotiations on its matters of concern.

“Our residents and businesses deserve better than this, and we are now taking advice from public health and the Local Government Association to assist us in resolving the dispute.”