IT has been two long months of bin strikes in Warrington.

Just a quick drive through the town reveals the hit of no bin collections, with mountains of bin bags lining the streets.

And the walk-outs show no sign of stopping just yet, with them continuing to Christmas Eve.

So from the council losing its legal bid to end the industrial action, to new temporary tips being opened, here’s an update on everything we know about the bin strikes in Warrington:

 When did the strikes begin?

On September 28, Warrington Borough Council confirmed that a ‘small number’ of waste, highways, and environment workers had announced their intention to strike from October 3 to October 16.

It was understood that the strike action was to affect Unite members at the council and that it related to the 2023/2024 local government pay award.

The council originally said that it was ‘anticipating a small level of disruption’.

What has happened since?

Since the beginning of October, four waves of bin strikes have been announced.

The first took place on October 3 and lasted until October 16.

During this period, a second wave of walkouts was confirmed for October 24 to November 6.

But as there was a pause in strikes, the council was able to catch up on black bin collections in the town – which meant it had to suspend blue and green ones.

Meanwhile, a third wave of strikes was announced for November 8 to November 20.

The fourth walk-out was planned to end yesterday, December 4, however according to the council, further notice has been service that Unite may strike until Christmas Eve.

Warrington Guardian: The streets of Warrington

 Why are refuse workers striking?

Unite members have walked out in a dispute over pay.

The Warrington Guardian recently put readers’ questions to the union.

Unite says it is important to note that the national pay award was not agreed by Unite. There are a number of elements to be resolved, low pay rates is just one.

Others include the council’s over-reliance on agency workers, seasonal workers contractual matters and laundry allowance.

Unite will meet with the council anytime, anywhere to resolve this dispute. It is the council dragging this strike out.

From why the union believes refuse workers should receive a pay rise to if they feel they are letting the people of Warrington down – you can read the answers here.

What was the council’s High Court case?

The council sought a High Court injunction in a bid to bring the bin strikes to an end. It is understood the bill for the strikes if five figures.

It was heard before the Royal Courts of Justice in London last week.

But the judge refused the council’s application on Friday, meaning the strike action could continue.

READ MORE > Judge's comments as Warrington bin strikes continue

Warrington Guardian: Bins in Warrington

What did Unite say about the ruling?

Unite blasted the actions of the council following the High Court ruling.

The local authority tried to use the extra hurdles placed in the way of legitimate strike action by the Conservative’s Trade Union Act of 2016, Unite says.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The fact that Warrington Borough Council lodged this legal challenge, which sought to take advantage of an anti-trade union law that should go against everything Labour stands for, is a disgrace.

“It was also a massive waste of taxpayers’ money.

“The ‘industrial reality’ is that there is only one way to settle this dispute, and that is for Warrington Borough Council to get back into negotiations and put forward a reasonable offer."

READ MORE > Unite blasts council over High Court bid 

Why is Warrington being hit by this strikes?

There are other local authorities which have been affected across the UK, Tower Hamlets and Wrexham among them.

There is also currently a ballot out in nearby Cheshire West and Chester for workers there to take action.

The council believes Friday's judgement in the High Court could affect future pay negotiations across the country.

A spokesman said: "This ruling may lead to significant future implications for all councils who continue to abide by the national pay agreements for local government."

The government wades in 

Michael Gove called the issues 'unacceptable' in Parliament on Tuesday.

He was answering a question from Warrington South MP Andy Carter.

Mr Carter says more temporary sites should be opened in town and called for a pay deal to be agreed soon.

Where are the new temporary tips based?

Yesterday, the council revealed it has set up two new additional drop-off points for household waste.

From today, Tuesday, they will be open Monday-Friday from 10am to 4pm.

They are based at:

Victoria Park, Knutsford Road, WA4 1DG

Alder Lane, Orford, WA2 8AG (the car park near the community centre at the end of Alder Lane by the bowling greens)

A spokesperson for Warrington Borough Council said: “Please do not leave household waste at either drop-off point outside of the 10am-4pm opening hours.

“At each drop-off point, there will be skips to dispose of your normal, bagged household waste.

“Please only use these drop-off points for rubbish that you would put in your black bin at home. “

The drop-off points are not for:

  • household recycling or garden waste
  • business/ trade waste and any materials you would normally need a permit to dispose of
  • vans, trailers or large vehicles
  • any waste that wouldn’t normally go in your black bin (eg appliances, large household waste items, furniture of any size)

The new drop-offs are in addition to the three community recycling centres in Woolston, Stockton Heath, and Great Sankey.