Veolia UK & Ireland has responded formally to an article by Unite the union published on FMIndustry.com at https://fmindustry.com/2025/02/06/refuse-workers-in-sheffield-to-continue-fight-for-union-recognition-unite/ on 6th February.
A Veolia spokesperson writes:
“Veolia has been in the crossfire of an inter-union dispute over recognition at our Sheffield site.
The GMB union has held sole recognition at the site for 20 years and any changes to this agreement must be approved by the GMB - Unite is well aware of this requirement.
We have been in constant dialogue with Unite and the GMB as well as seeking TUC intervention.
GMB has made an offer and we urge Unite to find a way forward.
"Veolia will always respect the right of our colleagues to be a member of a trade union of their choice but we will not be bullied by Unite into breaking an existing agreement with another union.
We want to see an end to this long running dispute, our colleagues return to work and for both unions to collaborate constructively for the benefit of all.”
