Warrington Borough Council has lost a High Court bid to stop its refuse workers going out on strike.
The Cheshire authority had applied for an interim injunction on the grounds that the industrial action was unlawful, citing the Trade Union Act of 2016.
Around 70 members of the trade union Unite have taken part in 53 days of strike action after rejecting the national pay offer of £1,925.
Last week, the High Court ruled that Unite had not breached the law in its attempt to settle the dispute. Fresh strikes will now take place from 5-24th December.
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.’
Warrington council said: ‘It was our belief that we had a strong case and good prospect of a positive outcome.
‘While this judgement 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.’
The local authority said it would consider legal options, including whether to appeal the High Court’s decision.
