Unite warns of winter of industrial action by council workers in Wigan and across country

Officials from Unite are meeting over the coming days following an outbreak of strikes by union members.

Unite members in 23 councils across the UK have either announced strike dates or are preparing to do so, including in Wigan.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Council leaders are wrongly claiming they can’t negotiate locally.

“It’s complete nonsense and the local government employers know it.

"Unite has already successfully negotiated pay rises for workers in Tower Hamlets and Newham in London. It’s time for other councils to listen and learn.”