Workers at toxic waste incineration plant in Ellesmere Port furious at low pay

 

Unite's long running campaign against anti-union employer Veolia is set to escalate further as workers in Cheshire are being balloted for potential strike action.

 

The union already has a recognition dispute with the company in Sheffield that has seen workers on continuous strike since last autumn.

 

Now workers who do a dangerous and difficult job staffing a toxic waste incineration facility in Cheshire are set to walk out over pay. Nearly 50 workers are furious at the pay offer on the table and are seeking an urgent improvement.

 

They are being balloted for strike action that would cripple the plant and stop incineration taking place, leading to a stockpiling of dangerous and hazardous waste.

 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:

 

"We know all about Veolia's approach to their employees and yet again we are seeing how their callous attitude will lead to industrial action. Instead of treating union members like the enemy they would benefit from coming back to the negotiating table with an improved pay offer for members on Merseyside and recognising our members in Sheffield."

 

Unite regional officer Ross Quinn added:

 

"Our members at Ellesmere Port do one of the toughest jobs out there - dealing day in day out with hazardous toxic waste that has to be incinerated. Yet a company that makes billions can't find a decent pay increase. Our members are rightly furious and we are now balloting them on potential strike action."

 

-ENDS-