Warrington Council explains how it ended bin strikes

Cllr Hans Mundry has released a statement regarding the end of the bin strikes, which ran for 35 days between October and December.

The strikes saw tips across Warrington extend their opening hours, and temporary recycling sites established in the town.

The bin strikes came to an end last week (Image: Newsquest)

At one point, the council attempted to block further industrial action through a High Court injunction, though this was slapped down by the Royal Courts of Justice, in London - it is believed this legal action cost the council £50,000.

The strikes were finally called off on Thursday, December 7.

A statement from the council's Labour group - which holds a majority in the council - reads: "The negotiations primarily focused on improvements to terms and conditions for the refuse workers, including a job evaluation scheme, the conversion of agency posts to permanent, including 17 new staff positions to enhance council waste teams, Christmas 2024 working arrangements and the consideration of a laundry allowance.

"Workers were on strike for a total of 35 days starting in October. 

"As part of the agreement, refuse employees were not paid a lump sum to return to work, instead, there were fewer striking days deducted from their overall pay.

"The remaining salary cost savings accrued during the strike action will now go towards cleanup operations including skips, highways management costs, temporary waste facilities and the additional staff offered permanent employment."

Cllr Mundry has welcomed the end of the strikes (Image: Warrington Borough Council)

Leader of the council Cllr Hans Mundry said: "I’m happy to announce that we have been able to find a resolution and bring the strike action to an end. 

“Our town has had a tough few weeks. It’s been difficult for us all, and I sympathise with all our residents and businesses who have struggled whilst their bins have not been emptied.

“I want to put on record my thanks to everyone in the community who came together to help their neighbours and friends. 

“I’m pleased we have been able to find a solution that will see our staff return to work and our bin collections resume. 

“As a local authority and an employer, we are always looking to improve terms and conditions for our staff, however, we must also manage stretched budgets after 13 years of Conservative austerity that has cut our local services to the bone. 

“This resolution does both, there are no additional costs for the council and we have improved the terms and conditions of our refuse workers. 

“We are now looking forward, returning services to normal as soon as possible.”