Rubbish bins weren't emptied, schools and libraries closed, and many people realised just how much they rely on council workers every day.

The trade unions behind the strike - UNISON, the GMB and the T&GWU - hoped the action would spur the employers into doubling the pay rise they had offered. But this failed.

Further talks between the unions and employers took place last Friday in a bid to reach a negotiated settlement, and if the offer is not significantly higher, there will be further strikes on Wednesday, August 14. The talks were adjourned until today after ten hours of discussions.

The unions say they are determined to fight until they get what they want.

Paul Elliott, regional head of local government at UNISON Wales, said: "If the outcome is not satisfactory to the negotiators there will be further all-out strike action across local government in Wales, followed by selective strike action.

"It will have to be a significant improvement on the original offer in order to resolve this.

"We had immense support on July 17 by the local authority members and members of the public who are clearly fully behind the local authority.

"We hope the employers take note of the public support.

"We are determined at UNISON and the other trade unions to get justice and will pursue this until the employers recognise they've got to treat local authority employees with respect and dignity and ensure fair pay."

Jack Dromey, the Transport and General Workers Union national organiser, added that a third national strike would follow in September if they failed to come to an agreement.

"The September conference season will then see thousands of low-paid women workers demonstrating at the TUC and Labour party conferences, backed by the public," he said.

"Opinion polls demonstrate overwhelming support for fair pay for local government servants.

"The employers must now hear the voice of their employees and the public."

The employers, local authorities across Britain, argue that a 3 per cent increase is fair.