Fresh ballot from union shows strong support for continuing industrial action

 

Strikes at union-busting firm Veolia are set to continue in Sheffield following the latest successful ballot of workers at the Lumley Street depot.

 

Unite, the UK's leading trade union, has been demanding that Veolia recognise its status and give it official recognition at the site.

 

The company's continued refusal to allow Unite to represent its members, who make up a majority of workers on the site, has led to continuous strike action that saw workers first walk out last August and are yet to return. A recent, fresh ballot has seen workers still overwhelmingly support continued strikes.

 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Veolia's continued intransigence and refusal to give our members their democratic right to be represented by the union of their choice is absolutely appalling - but its attempts at union busting will fail.

 

"Unite has our members backs and will continue to highlight this continued injustice by any means necessary."

 

Veolia's dire approach to employment relations is spreading across the country. Unite now has another pay and pensions dispute with Veolia in Ellesmere Port in Cheshire.

 

Unite national lead officer Kasab Onay said: "Unite is putting Veolia on notice - we will be watching you like a hawk at every place of employment where we have members. Any indication of other union-busting activities or any attempt to short change our members will be met in the strongest manner.

 

"Now is the time to get this dispute sorted. Veolia can end it tomorrow by returning to the negotiating table and signing on the dotted line. Give our members what they deserve."