High Court refuses council bid for interim injunction against bin strike action

The High Court has refused Warrington Borough Council’s application for an interim injunction to “immediately” stop industrial action carried out by trade union Unite.

The case was heard this week (28 November), regarding the continued bin strikes in Warrington as part of a national pay dispute.

The fourth phase of bin strike action is expected to take place until 4 December.

Last month, Unite stated their intention to conduct another period of strike action from 5 December until 24 December, which led to the council commencing legal proceedings.

The council has now confirmed, with “deep regret”, that its interim injunction had not been granted.

Warrington claimed that the ruling may lead to “significant future implications” for all councils who continue to abide by the national pay agreements for local government.

It said in a statement: “It was our belief that we had a strong case and good prospect of a positive outcome. While this judgment deems the current strike action by Unite to be lawful, we continue to be hugely disappointed by the impact that their course of action is causing for our town. We continue to call on Unite and their members to end the strike and to return to work.”

Unite has now confirmed its further strike action commencing on 5 December, and has described the decision by Warrington to launch legal action as “a disgrace”.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The fact that Warrington 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 Council to get back into negotiations and put forward a reasonable offer. Warrington refuse workers have their union’s absolute backing as they strike for a fair pay rise.”

Unite regional officer Brian Troake said: “Unite and our members have been vindicated in the High Court and Warrington Council’s actions have only made things worse. The council needs to stop wasting time and money and get back into talks so we can find a resolution.”

The council revealed that it “continues to consider legal options including whether to appeal the court decision”. 

Lottie Winson