REFUSE workers in Warrington, Cheshire, have blamed “council dithering” for prolonging strike action over pay into the festive season.

Seventy members of union Unite are on strike from November 8 to November 20 after rejecting a below-inflation flat rate pay increase of £1,925.

The union says a provisional agreement on new proposals has been reached with the council, but that it cannot put the proposals to its members because they have not been confirmed in writing.

As a result, the workers are now planning a fourth strike.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Throughout this dispute Warrington council has dithered and delayed needlessly dragging this strike out. 

"Unless council leaders sharpen up, this strike will continue into the festive season.”

Unite regional officer Samantha Marshall said: “Warrington council is failing the workers and failing its residents. 

“These delays are completely unnecessary and are the reason why strike action could extend into the Christmas period.”

She said council workers pay had fallen by a quarter in real terms.

The council was invited to comment.